The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for five people believed to be aboard a fishing boat that capsized in the Gulf of Alaska after battling challenging weather conditions. The search covered over 108 square nautical miles and included heavy snow, strong winds, and 6-foot seas. The decision to suspend the search was made after nearly a day of efforts, with the Coast Guard expressing sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the missing individuals.
The search began after a mayday call from the fishing boat Wind Walker, reporting that the boat was overturning near Point Couverden. Despite locating cold-water immersion suits and strobe lights in the search area, the Coast Guard was unable to find any of the missing crew members or the boat itself. The agency estimated that five people were aboard the boat when it capsized.
Various search assets, including a Coast Guard helicopter, a Response Boat-Medium crew, and two cutters, were deployed to the scene with the help of good Samaritans. The Coast Guard is asking for anyone with new information on the incident to come forward.
Point Couverden, where the boat capsized, is on Couverden Island in the Haines Borough of Alaska, which has been experiencing winter storm conditions. The National Weather Service in Juneau extended the winter storm warning until Tuesday.
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