A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka helicopter crew rescued two overdue hunters Wednesday near Wadleigh Island and Klawock.
The Coast Guard in Juneau got a report from troopers at 2 a.m. Wednesday that the hunters, aboard a 17-foot skiff, had left at 8:30 a.m. Tuesday and planned to return at 4 p.m. after hunting for the day at Salt Lake Bay, 20 miles northwest of town.
Troopers started searching at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, covering Klawock to Warm Chuck Inlet, before calling the Coast Guard Wednesday morning.
An urgent marine information broadcast was sent, an Air Station Sitka helicopter was launched and the Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco was diverted. The helicopter crew also dropped a self-locating datum marker buoy.
“We located a vessel matching the description of the overdue vessel in a small cove, at anchor,” said Lt. Michael Klakring, a co-pilot on the case, in a news release. ”Upon circling back to take another look, a flashing light was seen through night-vision goggles. One hunter had attempted to hike across the island unsuccessfully overnight. Both were located by flashing their lighters when the helicopter flew over. Thankfully, the Sector Juneau search plan covered this area and they had lighters. The importance of a float plan, signaling device, and personal locator beacon or GPS device cannot be overstated in the Alaskan environment, no matter how close or familiar an outing might be.”
Both men were safely hoisted and then transported to Klawock emergency medical services personnel for further evaluation. Both were reported to have been in good condition upon transfer.
