Two Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak helicopter aircrews rescue three people after their float plane crashed in the vicinity of Uganik Lake on Kodiak Island, Alaska, Sept. 9, 2016.Watchstanders at the 17th Coast Guard District command center received an electronic locator beacon alert from a De Havilland DHC-2 float plane at 12:20 p.m., which prompted the launch of the two rescue helicopters.U.S. Coast Guard video.
A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk crew prepares to transport survivors of a plane crash near Uganik Lake on Kodiak Island, Alaska, Sept. 9, 2016. The aircrew transported three people from a downed De Havilland DHC-2 float plane to awaiting emergency medical services personnel in Kodiak. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
A A crewmember of Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak and an emergency medical services technician transport a survivor of a downed De Havilland DHC-2 float plane that crashed near Uganik Lake on Kodiak Island, Alaska, Sept. 9, 2016. Air Station Kodiak transported three people from the downed aircraft to awaiting EMS personnel at Kodiak Municipal Airport. U.S. Coast Guard photo.ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued three people after their aircraft crashed near Kodiak Friday afternoon.
Watchstanders at the 17th Coast Guard District command center received an electronic locator beacon alert from a De Havilland DHC-2 float plane at 12:20 p.m. Two Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aircrews arrived on scene at approximately 1:30 p.m. and assessed the three for injuries. An Air Station Kodiak MH-65 Dolphin crew hoisted one female with leg and spinal injuries and transported her to emergency medical personnel awaiting at Kodiak Municipal Airport. The rescue swimmer for the MH-65 provided assessment and care for the other two De Havilland crewmembers. The other two crewmembers aboard the plane suffered a possible broken hip and head trauma.
"We worked closely with the Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center in response to this incident," said Chief Petty Officer Erik Patterson, command duty officer, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage. "Search and rescue on Kodiak Island is very unique, as we rely heavily on partnerships to ensure the best and fastest possible response."
On scene weather was reported as 18-knot winds and 10 nautical-miles visibility with a ceiling of 3,000 feet.