- Distress Call Triggers Swift Coast Guard Air Response.
- Initial Dewatering Effort Fails as Vessel Takes on Water.
- Helicopter Hoists Crew After Vessel Adrift with Engine Room Smoke.
The U.S. Coast Guard pulled off a remarkable rescue, saving four people from the 110-foot tug boat, which sank about 130 miles south of Cordova in the Gulf of Alaska on Friday, reports gCaptain.
Distress Call and Initial Response
The drama unfolded at 10:17 a.m. when the Coast Guard Arctic District command centre in Juneau got a distress call saying the vessel was taking on water. Without wasting a moment, an HC-130 Super Hercules aircrew from Air Station Kodiak was sent straight to the scene.
Situation Escalates Despite Early Intervention
By 1:08 p.m., the Sea Ranger crew assured they were not in immediate danger. The aircrew dropped off a dewatering pump and headed back. Unfortunately, things took a turn for the worse. By 3:57 p.m., the crew reported smoke in the engine room, ongoing flooding, non-working pumps, and that they were adrift.
Second Response and Successful Rescue
In response to the escalating situation, Coast Guard watchstanders launched both an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and an HC-130 Super Hercules. The helicopter reached the scene at 7:42 p.m. and successfully hoisted all four individuals aboard. They were then taken to Cordova for a medical check-up, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.
Coast Guard Commends Aircrews and Prepared Mariners
“Given its remote location in the Gulf of Alaska, this challenging rescue resulted in the best possible outcome and demonstrated the dedication and professionalism of Coast Guard aircrews,” said Lt. Evan Sutton, search and rescue mission coordinator for the Coast Guard Arctic District.
Sutton also emphasised the crew’s readiness: “These mariners were well-equipped and demonstrated the importance of having appropriate lifesaving and communications equipment on hand such as life rafts, survival suits, and long-range distress communication devices.”
Rescue Highlights Regional Challenges and Response Readiness
This incident highlights the risks that vessels face in the remote waters of the Gulf of Alaska and showcases the vital rescue capabilities that Coast Guard units maintain in this challenging region.
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Source: gCaptain
