The U.S. Coast Guard announced on Sunday that it is conducting a search for five individuals after a fishing vessel capsized in rough conditions near Juneau, Alaska. The 50-foot boat, named the Wind Walker, sent out a mayday distress call at approximately 12:10 a.m., reporting that the boat was overturning. However, the Coast Guard was unable to establish further communication with the crew after the initial call, according to their press release. The vessel capsized near Point Couverden, located southwest of Juneau.
A ferry crew from the AMHS Hubbard, who overheard the distress broadcast, responded to the scene before the Coast Guard. In response, the Coast Guard deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a response boat. During the search, seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights were located in the vicinity.
Responders faced challenging conditions, including heavy snow, winds of up to 60 mph, and 6-foot seas. A winter storm warning was also in effect for parts of the Gulf of Alaska area. While the Coast Guard has not yet been able to confirm the number of people aboard the Wind Walker, local sources indicated that five individuals were on board when the boat capsized.
The incident occurred in Icy Strait, just south of Point Couverden. The Coast Guard continues to search for the crew, and the identities of the missing individuals have not yet been disclosed.
