ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Coast Guard Cutter Munro crewmembers and a Coast Guard Auxiliary crew assisted two men when their vessel was disabled in Chrome Bay, near the mouth of Cook Inlet, Saturday.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders received a report from a concerned family member Friday that the Sea Venture, a 33-foot fishing vessel homeported in Kenai, was disabled and unable to establish communication over the radio.
Crewmembers from the Coast Guard Cutter Munro diverted to Cook Inlet and established radio communications with the two men Saturday morning but were not able to take the vessel in tow due to water depth.
After arriving on scene, crewmembers from the Munro launched a small boat to assist the men in attempting to repair the vessel. The crew determined the Sea Venture would need to be towed from Chrome Bay.
An auxiliary crew consisting of members from Homer and Anchorage responded and towed the vessel to Homer. The Munro crew escorted and maintained communications with the auxiliarists until they were able to establish communications with Sector Anchorage watchstanders.
“The Coast Guard Auxiliary provides an invaluable service to the mariners of Alaska, from assisting during search and rescues to offering free dockside examinations,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher Sheffield, a watchstander in the Sector Anchorage command center. “The time they volunteer plays a pivotal role in the Coast Guard’s mission to protect the safety of life at sea.”
The weather on scene was reported as 17-mph winds and calm seas.