On Monday, the Coast Guard made the difficult decision to suspend the search for five crew members believed to be aboard the Wind Walker, a fishing vessel that capsized in the Gulf of Alaska. The incident occurred early Sunday morning when the approximately 50-foot boat sent out a mayday call around 12:07 a.m., reporting that it was in the process of capsizing off Point Couverden. The state ferry Hubbard was the first to respond to the situation, quickly arriving on the scene, followed by a Coast Guard helicopter and a response boat. Coast Guard cutters also joined the operation, which spanned over 108 square nautical miles throughout the course of the day, despite treacherous weather conditions that included heavy snow and winds exceeding 60 mph.
Chief Warrant Officer James Koon, a mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska, issued a heartfelt message regarding the search suspension. Expressing his condolences, Koon communicated his solidarity with the families and friends of the missing crew members. He acknowledged the efforts of the Coast Guard personnel and other involved agencies, highlighting their prompt response which comprised extensive search efforts across the targeted areas. Koon’s statement reflected the deep sorrow shared by the Coast Guard and the broader community for those impacted by this tragic event.
During the search operation, rescuers discovered several empty cold-water immersion suits, which are designed to be worn quickly in emergencies to provide thermal protection and buoyancy in frigid water. Coast Guard Petty Officer John Hightower provided insights into these survival suits, explaining their purpose and functionality, although it remained uncertain whether the crew had been wearing them when the vessel capsized. The ongoing investigation is focused on understanding the circumstances surrounding the capsizing, particularly in light of the distress call before the incident.
The Coast Guard had access to the Wind Walker’s emergency beacon GPS coordinates, allowing them to prioritize their search efforts in a specific area. However, despite deploying underwater sonar technology from the Coast Guard cutters, they were unable to locate the sunken vessel or confirm the conditions that led to its capsizing. Petty Officer Hightower indicated that the scenario of the boat capsizing and then sinking seemed plausible based on the crew’s communication prior to the incident, but he emphasized the need for further investigation to rule out any other possibilities.
In light of the search’s suspension, the Coast Guard is encouraging anyone with relevant information regarding the incident to get in touch with Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska. The loss of the Wind Walker and its crew members has left a significant emotional impact on the community, and the Coast Guard continues to express its commitment to aiding those affected by this tragedy. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those working in maritime industries, particularly in harsh weather and unpredictable conditions.
As search and rescue missions are inherently fraught with challenges, the Coast Guard’s response to the Wind Walker’s distress signal exemplifies their dedication to ensuring safety at sea. The harsh realities of such incidents underline the importance of preparedness and rapid response capabilities. The community remains hopeful for any additional information that might shed light on the situation while the Coast Guard reflects on the significant loss that has occurred amidst the unforgiving maritime environment.
