Coast Guard launches search for five missing people after boat capsizes off Alaska coast
Good Samaritans and various Coast Guard units are part of the search
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The U.S. Coast Guard says it's searching for five people after a fishing boat reportedly capsized in cold seas off Point Couverden, southwest of Alaska's capital of Juneau.
The Coast Guard announced the search Sunday morning, and responders could face tough conditions because part of the region, located in the Gulf of Alaska, is under a winter storm warning.
Good Samaritans and various Coast Guard units are part of the search, according to the agency.
Coast Guard stations received a Mayday call around 12:10 a.m. Sunday from the crew aboard the “Wind Walker’ ship that they were overturning, according to agency officials.
Those at the station tried to get more information but never heard back.
The ship is about 50 feet long.
A nearby ferry heard the mayday call, offered to help and was first at the scene, according to the Coast Guard.
Rescue crews found seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the water, but not the five missing people. The names of those missing have not been released.
Temperatures in Juneau hit a high of around 22 degrees on Sunday. Winds were up to 60 mph with 6-foot seas.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments