The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for five people believed to be aboard a fishing boat that capsized in the Gulf of Alaska. Despite searching for nearly a day and covering over 108 square nautical miles, the challenging weather conditions forced the Coast Guard to halt search efforts. Crews faced heavy snow, strong winds of up to 60 mph, and 6-foot seas while looking for the missing individuals.
The fishing boat, Wind Walker, sent a distress call on Sunday, reporting that it was overturning near Point Couverden, southwest of Juneau, Alaska. An emergency beacon also indicated the distress signal’s location, aiding search efforts. Despite the mobilization of various search assets, including the state ferry Hubbard and Coast Guard helicopters and boats, none of the missing crew members or the boat were found.
Although search crews discovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the area, the missing individuals remained elusive. The Coast Guard had estimated that five people were onboard the Wind Walker when it capsized, and they urged anyone with new information on the incident to come forward.
Point Couverden, where the incident occurred, is situated on Couverden Island in Haines Borough, Alaska. The region has been experiencing severe winter weather conditions, with a storm warning extended until Tuesday. Despite the suspension of the search, the Coast Guard expressed solidarity with the friends and family of the missing individuals and offered their sympathies for those affected by the tragic loss.
Photo credit
www.usatoday.com