JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted a 29-year-old boater in distress from his grounded vessel near Sitka, Alaska, Sunday.
The Jayhawk helicopter crew located, hoisted the boater and transferred him to Sitka where he was met by family members.
Sector Juneau watchstanders received a report of a boater that had crashed his boat in the vicinity of Redoubt Bay. Watchstanders made contact with the operator who stated that he had grounded his vessel on the beach. Watchstanders launched the Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist.
“Based on the small craft advisory in the area, lack of supplies and remoteness of the location, it was determined the operator was unable to safely navigate his vessel,” said Lt. Joseph Reitmeyer, Sector Juneau command duty officer.
Weather on scene was reported as 29 mph winds and 8-foot seas.