The U.S. Coast Guard ended its search Monday for three missing boaters near St. Lawrence Island, after one person was rescued and two others were found dead.
According to a press release from the Coast Guard, a HC-130 Hercules crew from Air Station Kodiak located a 15-year-old survivor around 3 p.m., clinging to a capsized 18-foot Lund boat about four miles east of St. Lawrence Island.
The aircrew dropped a life raft and survival equipment before coordinating with the Northwest Explorer, a nearby fishing vessel that responded to help.
Before leaving the area to refuel, the Coast Guard crew dropped a line of flares to guide the Northwest Explorer to the overturned boat.
The Coast Guard says the 15-year-old survivor was rescued with symptoms of hypothermia. Two other people were recovered unresponsive from the water. The Coast Guard says all three were brought back to shore aboard the fishing vessel. It arrived in Nome early Tuesday morning.
The search involved multiple Coast Guard aircraft, Alaska State Troopers, local authorities in Savoonga, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center and Air Force rescue crews from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
Coast Guard Arctic District Commander Rear Admiral Bob Little offered condolences to the families and communities affected by the deaths, and thanked the Northwest Explorer and other responders involved in the search.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners," said Rear Adm. Bob Little, the commander of the Arctic District. “We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the motor vessel Northwest Explorer, Federal, State, Village first responders and mission partners who assisted in the effort that resulted in a life saved.”
The boat left Savoonga Friday evening and was expected to return to Savoonga around 3 a.m. Sunday. Spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers, Austin McDaniel, said in an email that troopers were notified of the overdue vessel at 2:30 p.m. Sunday.
The Coast Guard said in a press release it was notified by the troopers at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. Poor weather conditions delayed the deployment of Coast Guard assets, according to the press release.
Chief of Operations for the Alaska National Guard Public Affairs division, Dana Rosso, said in an email to KNOM Tuesday that its Black Hawk helicopter, normally assigned to Nome, was supporting out-of-state training, and was not available to assist in the search. He said a replacement aircraft is expected to arrive in Nome in the coming weeks.
Rosso said the Alaska Army National Guard helicopters are not equipped for over-water rescue missions, and that “appropriately equipped rescue aircraft and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska Air National Guard were deployed to support the mission.”
Behavioral health resources are being mobilized across the region. Bering Strait School District Superintendent, Tammy Dodd, said a school counselor from Gambell will travel to Savoonga to support students. The district is also coordinating with Norton Sound Health Corporation’s Liitfik Behavioral Health Services team.
Spokesperson for Norton Sound Health Corporation, Reba Lean, said weather will be a factor in getting employees to the island. Lean said two behavioral health aides and one clinical associate are already on site. When possible, staff from Nome will also travel to the community to provide wellness activities.
To contact Liitfik BHS, call 907-443-3344 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 844-586-8773 for after hours care.
