5 remain missing in Alaska after fishing boat capsizes: Coast Guard

Five people are still missing after a fishing boat capsized off the coast of Alaska, according to the US Coast Guard. The boat, named the “Nova,” was carrying a total of nine people when it overturned in rough seas on Sunday evening.

The Coast Guard received a distress signal from the vessel around 10 p.m. on Sunday, prompting a search and rescue operation to be launched immediately. Four of the crew members were rescued from the water by a nearby Good Samaritan vessel, but five others remain unaccounted for.

The search for the missing crew members has been ongoing since Sunday night, with Coast Guard helicopters, planes, and cutters scouring the area for any sign of the individuals. The search has been hampered by poor weather conditions, including high winds and rough seas, which have made it difficult for rescue crews to locate the missing individuals.

Despite the challenging conditions, the Coast Guard remains committed to continuing the search until all of the missing crew members are accounted for. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the missing crew members during this difficult time,” said Captain Sean MacKenzie, the commander of Coast Guard Sector Juneau. “We are doing everything in our power to locate and rescue these individuals as quickly as possible.”

The cause of the capsizing is still under investigation, and it is unclear at this time what led to the boat overturning. The Nova was reportedly a 98-foot fishing vessel that was based out of Seattle, Washington.

Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the dangers that fishermen face every day while out at sea. The unpredictable and often treacherous conditions of the ocean can lead to accidents like this, highlighting the importance of having proper safety protocols in place and being prepared for emergencies.

As the search for the missing crew members continues, the Coast Guard is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. They are urging anyone who may have seen or heard anything related to the capsizing of the Nova to contact the Coast Guard immediately.

In the meantime, the Coast Guard is working tirelessly to locate the missing individuals and bring them safely back to shore. The families and loved ones of the missing crew members are anxiously awaiting news of their whereabouts, hoping for a positive outcome in the midst of this tragic event.