Authorities have reported that five individuals are missing after a fishing boat capsized in rough waters off the coast of southeastern Alaska. The incident occurred when the US Coast Guard received a distress call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday from the crew of the 50-foot-long vessel, the Wind Walker, indicating that the boat was overturning.
Despite efforts to gather more information, the Coast Guard did not receive any further communication from the crew. An emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert was also triggered, pinpointing the vessel's location south of Point Couverden, near Juneau, in Icy Strait.
In response to the distress call, the Coast Guard mobilized air and sea rescue teams, dispatching an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot Response Boat to aid in the search mission. The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard was the first to arrive at the scene after intercepting the urgent broadcast from the Coast Guard.
Search efforts were hindered by challenging weather conditions, including six-foot waves, heavy snowfall, and wind gusts exceeding 60 mph. Responders recovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights in the search area.
The National Weather Service issued a small craft advisory for the Couverden Point area, warning of winds gusting over 50 mph and choppy waves. Visibility was expected to be reduced to one mile or less due to the combination of strong winds and heavy snowfall.
Winter storm warnings are in effect for the region until 3 a.m. Monday, with additional snowfall of 5 to 8 inches anticipated. Temperatures are forecasted to rise above freezing on Monday, leading to a transition from heavy snow to a mix of rain and snow before turning into all rainfall by Tuesday.
