Coast Guard rescues fishermen from sinking boat off Alaska coast
Seas were reported to be around five feet and winds gusting upwards of 55 mph
Fishermen rescued off the coast of Alaska
Coast Guard braved winds of around 55 mph to rescue the crew of a sinking boat
KODIAK, Alaska – Two fishermen are back on dry land after being rescued from their sinking vessel Monday evening off the coast of southern Alaska.
The Coast Guard said they reached the crew aboard the fishing vessel "Glory" around 9 p.m. and found the boat taking on water.
Despite wind gusts of 55 mph and seas around 5 feet, the Coast Guard deployed a rescue swimmer to assess the condition of the 40-foot boat.
A spokesperson said that once the agency determined the boat was unsafe, the crew hoisted the fishermen to the awaiting helicopter.
"The biggest challenge during this rescue was the severe winds, however, the fishermen were well-prepared with good communication equipment and survival gear", said Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Scott Woodcock.
COAST GUARD WARNS ABOUT THE DEADLY TRUTHS OF WINTER BOATING
The Coast Guard said they transported the pair back to Alaska without issue, and it will now be up to the boat’s owner to salvage the vessel.
An agency spokesperson reminds boaters that despite the popularity of fishing in the region, the waters off Alaska are subject to extreme weather conditions this time of year.