Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Seventeenth District
  United States Coast Guard
News Release Date: May 26, 2009
Contact: Petty Officer 3rd Class Charly Hengen 
Phone: (907) 487-5700

Coast Guard and Auxiliary units rescue more than 30 boaters during holiday weekend

KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard and Auxiliary units responded to 13 recreational vessels in need of assistance from Prince William Sound to Homer during the Memorial Day weekend ultimately rescuing more than 30 boaters.

Among those in distress, 10 boats reported being disabled, two reported they were sinking and one boat struck a log. These cases are reminders boaters need to be prepared for any situation before heading out on the water in Alaska.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary responded to an 18-foot speed boat on Big Lake, north of Anchorage that struck a log at a high rate of speed Sunday.  No injuries were reported and the Auxiliary safely towed the boat to Burkshore Marina located on Big Lake.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary also responded to a 14-foot inflatable zodiac disabled due to engine failure near Billings Creek in the Prince William Sound Passage Canal Monday.  The Auxiliary rescued three people on board and safely towed the vessel to Whittier.

“People need to make the necessary seasonal precautions before they take to the water,” said Linda Shogren, Coast Guard Whittier Auxiliary member and district staff of public affairs for the Auxiliary. “Boats need to be properly inspected for their safety and the safety of their passengers depends on it.”

The Coast Guard and Auxiliary units responded to multiple calls during Memorial Day weekend and no fatalities were reported. No deaths were reported during the busy holiday weekends on the Alaskan waters.

Boats should be properly maintained and inspected before heading out on the water.  The Coast Guard recommends individuals have properly fitting personal floatation devices for each person aboard the vessel, an emergency position indicating radio beacon, flares, VHF radio and plenty of food and water.  Individuals boating in Alaska should be prepared to survive ashore as well as at sea until rescue arrives.

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