FIVE PEOPLE MISSING AFTER FISHING BOAT REPORTEDLY CAPSIZES OFF ALASKA COAST

Five people missing after fishing boat reportedly capsizes off Alaska coast. Crew of Wind Walker boat sent mayday call but US Coast Guard’s attempts to get more info went unanswered.

The US Coast Guard announced Sunday that it is searching for five individuals after a fishing boat reportedly capsized amid rough weather near Juneau, Alaska.

The 50-foot vessel, named Wind Walker, issued a mayday call around 12:10 a.m., reporting that it was overturning. Attempts by the Coast Guard to follow up with the crew were unsuccessful, according to a press release. The boat capsized off Point Couverden, located southwest of Juneau.

A ferry, the AMHS Hubbard, overheard the distress broadcast and was first to arrive at the scene. The Coast Guard then deployed an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and a response boat to assist in the search. In the search area, responders recovered seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights from the water.

The search operation faced severe weather conditions, including heavy snowfall, 60 mph (96 km/h) winds, and 6-foot seas. The area, part of the Gulf of Alaska, was under a winter storm warning at the time.

Individuals familiar with the Wind Walker’s crew indicated that five people were aboard when it departed from its origin point in Icy Strait, south of Point Couverden. However, officials have yet to confirm the exact number of people on board.