Fisherman pulled from overturned boat near Kodiak

February 11, 2008

The Coast Guard assisted rescuing a fisherman from a capsized fishing vessel after it was washed ashore Saturday near Kodiak, Alaska.

From a Coast Guard press release: The Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers and the Bayside and Kodiak City Fire Departments rescued one individual from a capsized fishing vessel after it was washed ashore Saturday near Kodiak.

The Coast Guard command center in Juneau received a signal from a 406 emergency position indicating radio beacon at approximately 11:30 a.m., from the fishing vessel Velocity. Coast Guard Sector Anchorage assumed command of the rescue and launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak at approximately 12:20 p.m.

The fishing vessel was about 200 yards offshore at the time of capsizing. It was eventually washed ashore where responders from the Alaska State Troopers, Bayside and Kodiak City Fire Departments and good Samaritans climbed aboard the vessel. A rescue swimmer was lowered to the beach to assist responders.

A good Samaritan and members of the local fire department knocked on the fiberglass hull to locate survivors inside the vessel. One survivor was located inside the overturned boat when he was heard knocking back. A chainsaw was used to cut a hole in the hull of the vessel. The survivor was rescued and turned over to local emergency medical personnel. He was transported to Providence Island Medical Center for treatment. His condition is unknown. The second individual was pronounced dead.

The boat departed Kodiak Saturday. Names of the individuals aboard the boat are not available for release.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Kodiak is investigating the capsizing. No pollution was reported. Winds at the time of the accident were reported at about 30 mph with gusts up to 50 with 12-18 foot seas.

Alaska Weather