The Coast Guard located a 14-year-old survivor clinging to a capsized skiff approximately 4 miles east of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska, concluding a search that also recovered two other missing boaters found unresponsive in the water on Monday.
A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak spotted the teenager at approximately 3 p.m. and deployed a life raft and survival equipment. The crew then directed a nearby commercial vessel, the Northwest Explorer, to the capsized boat. The teenager was rescued experiencing hypothermia symptoms. The two deceased were recovered from the water and transported to Nome along with the survivor.
The search involved two HC-130 aircraft, two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station Kodiak, and a C-130 with Air Force Para-Rescue Jumpers from the 176th Rescue Wing, coordinating with the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, Alaska State Troopers, and local authorities in Savoonga.
Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard Arctic District, said: "Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners. 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."