Multiple people are missing after a fishing boat capsized near Point Couverden, southwest of Alaska’s capital of Juneau. The U.S. Coast Guard is leading the search for multiple individuals who were aboard the fishing vessel Wind Walker, which overturned in cold waters off Point Couverden. Reports indicate that there were around five people on board, though this number is not confirmed and is subject to change pending new information.
The Coast Guard received a mayday call from the vessel at around 12:10 a.m., reporting that they were overturning. An emergency position-indicating radio beacon was activated, showing the distress signal originated south of Point Couverden in the Icy Strait. The Coast Guard deployed search crews including helicopters and boats to search the area, with rough conditions including heavy snow, high winds, and 6-foot seas.
Seven cold-water immersion suits and two strobe lights were discovered in the water as search efforts continued. The Coast Guard is utilizing the Coast Guard Cutter Healy as their main search platform. Despite reports on social media claiming individuals have been located, the Coast Guard has not confirmed these claims and is continuing search efforts.
Point Couverden is located on Couverden Island in Alaska’s Haines Borough, and the search for the missing individuals remains ongoing in challenging weather conditions.
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