USCG Helps Boaters of Disabled Vessel

A US Coast Guard boatcrew from Station Ketchikan assisted two boaters after their 15-foot vessel became disabled near Ketchikan, Sunday.

The boatcrew safely transferred the boaters to the Coast Guard vessel and took the disabled vessel in tow before transporting them to Knuduson Cove.

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Juneau were notified by the Ketchikan Police Department after they received a call from one of the boaters that their vessel had been swamped by waves and became disabled.  Station Ketchikan immediately launched a Response Boat – Small crew to assist.

“The boaters went out without a radio or GPS, but were fortunate enough to make an emergency call to the Ketchikan Police Department with a weak cell phone signal,” said Lt. j.g. Eric Ferree, Sector Juneau command center watchstander.  “We can’t stress enough the importance of taking a VHF marine radio when underway, especially since cell phones don’t work everywhere in Alaska.”

Weather on scene was reported as 17 mph winds and 3-foot seas.