09.03.2020 UPDATE: It is now day four in the search for missing Nome woman Florence Okpealuk.
Nome’s Deputy Chief of Police, Bob Pruckner, says local law enforcement and other entities are actively trying to locate 33-year-old Okpealuk.
“We have sought and received assistance from Alaska State Troopers. The volunteer fire department has been involved in search and rescue operations and will continue with these. We received assistance from the Alaska State Coast Guard yesterday, with a helicopter.”
– Deputy Chief Pruckner
Okpealuk was last seen around 4pm on Sunday in the West Beach area.
Today, Sept. 3, local search and rescue teams will be checking beaches and nearby ponds. For those individuals who are interested in joining SAR efforts, Pruckner says they can call the Nome Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD).
“I just want the community to know we are actively investigating this and [we] would appreciate any assistance we can get from the community as far as information. And if they are interested in helping with search and rescue to contact Nome Search and Rescue through the Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD).”
– Deputy Chief Pruckner
At this time, Pruckner and NPD are not sharing any further descriptors or details about the circumstances surrounding Okpealuk’s disappearance.
If you have any information about her whereabouts, please call Nome Police at 443-5262.
ORIGINAL: Nome Police are searching for a 33-year-old woman who was last seen on Sunday.
Florence Okpealuk of Nome was last seen on West Beach around 4pm Sunday afternoon. Okpealuk is approximately five feet, two inches and weighs approximately 130 pounds.
Both Alaska State Troopers and local volunteers have joined the search. Nome Search and Rescue Chief Jim West Jr. reports that searchers have combed the area west of Nome on foot and four-wheelers and are hoping to continue today as far as the Penny River. West mentioned search party numbers are down due to the current moose hunting season.
Nome Police’s Deputy Chief Bob Pruckner implored the community to be vigilant and look for any signs of Okpealuk.
Anyone with any information regarding her whereabouts is highly encouraged to contact NPD at 443-5262.
KNOM’s Davis Hovey contributed to this report.
Image at Top: Florence Okpealuk of Nome. Photo courtesy of Nome Police Department (2020).
