 October 15, 2005
The Coast Guard received a mayday call over VHF-FM channel 16 from the crew of the MRS at about 3:30 p.m. Friday. They stated the vessel was sinking near Grindall Island and they were abandoning ship. The Coast Guard launched an HH-60 helicopter and crew from Air Station Sitka and two 25-foot rescue boats with crews from Station Ketchikan to respond. They arrived on scene within an hour. The crew of the vessel Lady May had already rescued the three people from the water. They transferred the three MRS crewmen to one of the station's boats for transfer to Ketchikan. The rescue boat was met by Ketchikan emergency service personnel and Alaska State Troopers. One of the three MRS crewmen was pronounced dead upon arrival. The other two are in good condition. Names of the crewmen were not released. The vessel is mostly submerged, but not completely underwater. The cause of the sinking is unknown at this time. Personnel from Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Ketchikan are investigating the incident. The fishing vessel MRS is based out of Wrangell.
Source of News:
Publish A Letter on SitNews Read Letters/Opinions Submit A Letter to the Editor
|