JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard located and rescued a stranded boater from Betton Island near Ketchikan, Alaska, Monday.
An Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew located the boater who was then transported by a Station Ketchikan 25-foot Response Boat-Small to awaiting emergency medical services personnel in Ketchikan.
Coast Guard Sector Juneau watchstanders received a call from an employee of Knudson Cove Marina stating that a man had rented a 14-foot skiff Sunday morning and had not returned in the evening.
Sector Juneau launched a Station Ketchikan 45-foot Response Boat-Medium and an Air Station Sitka MH-60 helicopter to conduct a search in the area the boater had planned to fish.
Monday morning Sector Juneau watchstanders received a 911 call from the boater stating his general area and indicated that he was suffering from symptoms of hypothermia.
“An important element of enjoying the Alaskan outdoors is taking proper safety measures,” said Lt. Mickey Sanders, Sector Juneau command duty officer. “Emergency equipment should include communication and signaling devices, extra food and water, a set of dry clothes and a personal locator beacon. It is also essential to tell family, friends or the harbormaster your trip plans including departure and arrival times.”
Weather on scene was reported as 12 mph winds and 2-foot seas.