Yesterday Alaska State Troopers located the boat that 41-year-old David Slwooko and 48-year-old Debbie Kimoktoak planned to take from Koyuk to Unalakleet on Monday. Family expected them in Unalakleet Monday night and by Tuesday when they had not arrived – family contacted the Troopers.
Trooper spokesperson Megan Peters says the boat was found on the shoreline 35 miles southwest of Unalakleet by a state trooper wildlife plane.
It was found on the coastline upside down. The motor was detached from the vessel but still connected by its cables. From what it looks like, it capsized somewhere out in the water and drifted to where we found it. We can only presume at this point that the boat capsized and they drowned.
The Coast Guard has withdrawn in the search for Slwooko and Kimoktoak. The troopers are no longer flying in the search – however Peters says the troopers are supporting local search efforts to find the bodies. Peters does say she does not know how long the troopers will support the body recovery effort.
Dawn Nassuk in Nome is currently taking donations in the search and recovery efforts. Deposits or transfers can be made directly to, Credit Union 1 account #: 531394 or Wellsfargo Bank account #: 6455206711.
