Five lives hang in the balance as Coast Guard suspends search for capsized Wind Walker off Alaska’s treacherous coast.
At a Glance
- U.S. Coast Guard suspends search for five missing crew members after 24 hours
- 108 square nautical miles searched in harsh weather conditions
- Seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights found, but no survivors
- Wind Walker capsized near Couverden Point amid 60 mph winds and six-foot seas
- Coast Guard urges public to report any information to Sector Southeast Alaska
Desperate Search Ends in Heartbreak
In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for five missing crew members of the fishing vessel Wind Walker, which capsized in the treacherous waters of the Gulf of Alaska. The 24-hour operation, covering 108 square nautical miles, came to a halt as hope dwindled and resources were exhausted.
The 50-foot fishing boat sent out a distress call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, activating an emergency beacon near Point Couverden in Southeast Alaska. Responding swiftly, the Coast Guard deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a 45-foot Response Boat. The ferry vessel AMHS Hubbard also joined the search efforts, demonstrating the community’s solidarity in times of crisis.
5 remain missing in Alaska after fishing boat capsizes: Coast Guard https://t.co/a8eX9juqpc
— Action News on 6abc (@6abc) December 3, 2024
Mother Nature’s Fury Hampers Rescue Efforts
The search teams faced formidable obstacles as they battled against nature’s wrath. Heavy snowfall, winds gusting up to 60 mph, and six-foot seas created a nightmarish scenario for both the missing crew and the rescuers. These extreme conditions not only posed a significant threat to the survival of those lost at sea but also severely hampered the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct an effective search.
Despite the challenging conditions, the Coast Guard Cutter Healy emerged as the primary search platform, leveraging its superior weather resilience to push through the storm. The dedication of these brave men and women, who risked their own lives in the hopes of saving others, stands as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our Coast Guard.
Grim Discoveries and False Hope
As the search progressed, crews made grim discoveries that hinted at the severity of the situation. Seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights were found floating in the turbulent waters, silent witnesses to the crew’s desperate struggle for survival. These findings, while providing crucial clues, also deepened the sense of urgency and concern for the missing individuals.
In an age where information spreads rapidly, the Coast Guard found itself combating not only the elements but also misinformation. False claims on social media about the discovery of passengers forced officials to issue clarifications.
A Community United in Grief and Hope
The decision to suspend the search was not taken lightly. It came only after all available resources had been exhausted and the harsh reality of the situation became unavoidable. Chief Warrant Officer James Koon expressed the collective sorrow felt by all involved in the search efforts.
“We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the people we were not able to find over the past 24 hours,” he said.
The suspension of the search does not mean the end of hope. The Coast Guard continues to urge anyone with information to contact Sector Southeast Alaska.
