USCG Tows Disabled Vessel Near Whittier, Alaska
A Coast Guard Station Valdez 45-foot Response Boat - Medium crew assisted three recreational mariners aboard the disabled 24-foot Bayliner Herrisea in Blackstone Bay near Whittier, Alaska, Sunday. The rescue boatcrew rendezvoused with the Herrisea and safely towed the vessel to Whittier. Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received notice from the mariners that their main engine had failed and they did not have enough fuel to return to Whittier. After the watchstanders issued a Marine Assistance Request Broadcast, a good Samaritan responded but could only assist with anchoring and communications due to worsening weather conditions. Station Valdez launched the RB-M crew to assist.
USCG Rescues 4 Near Whittier, Alaska
The Coast Guard rescued four hunters stranded in Blackstone Bay near Whittier Monday. A 45-foot response boat-medium crew from Station Valdez safely transported the men and towed their skiff to Whittier. Watchstanders at the Sector Anchorage command center recieved a report from the men that they were cold and stranded without fuel or enough supplies to make it back to their camp or Whittier. Command center personnel issued a marine assistance request broadcast with no results and dispatched the RB-M crew to the scene, maintaining cell phone contact with the hunters until the crew arrived. "This case serves as a good example of the need for hunters and boaters to be prepared for emergencies as we head into winter," said Ensign Jessica Stock, Sector Anchorage command center watchstander.
