JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Station Juneau boatcrew rescued two men and a child from their 17-foot boat after they encountered heavy weather in St. James Bay.
The boatcrew arrived on scene, took the men and child aboard and transported them to Amalga Harbor.
Sector Juneau watchstanders received a report from a concerned family member after the mariners left a voicemail reporting they were unable to return due to weather. Watchstanders directed the launch of a Station Juneau 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew who located the mariners and directed them to anchor their vessel before transferring them aboard.
The mariners left Amalga Harbor for a day trip to St. James Bay. They were unable to return to the harbor due to 12-mph winds and 2-foot seas.
“This case emphasizes the importance of checking the weather before going out on the water and being prepared if the forecast changes,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Brister, the coxswain of the RB-M. “Things on the water can change quickly. Thankfully these boaters had appropriate gear and were able to make a call to their family."