18 Saved from Whale-watching Boat off Alaska
Eighteen people were rescued from a 35-foot whale-watching motor vessel taking on water in Favorite Channel near Juneau, Alaska, Sunday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard reported.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Juneau received a call from a crewmember of the whale-watching vessel Big Red reporting they were taking on water in Favorite Channel. An urgent marine information broadcast requesting any vessels in the area to assist was subsequently issued.
The rescue was performed by U.S. Coast Guard Sector Juneau, along with multiple Good Samaritan vessels. All 16 passengers and two crewmembers aboard Big Red were recovered and embarked onto motor vessel St. Herman, with the help of recreational vessel See You, and transported to Allen Marine Dock to await Coast Guard and emergency medical personnel. There was one knee injury reported.
Weather on scene was reported as 17 mph winds, four-foot seas and light rain.