(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska - The F/V Ostrich sent out a Mayday call Tuesday morning reporting an injured diver in need of assistance. The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the Mountain Point area and assisted with transporting the diver to the Ketchikan Medical Center.

According to information provided by the Alaska State Troopers, they learned after arriving at Ketchikan Medical Center that 32-year-old Levi Adams of Leawood, Kansas, had been declared deceased.

USCG Station Ketchikan responds to Tuesday morning's Mayday call from the F/V Ostrich anchored in the Mountain Point area.
Photograph by Carl Thompson ©2013

The cause and circumstances of Adam's death are under investigation by the Alaska State Troopers. Alaska State Troopers reported that the next of kin for Adams were notified.

After three dive incidences for three days in a row near Ketchikan, the Coast Guard is reminding all mariners in Southeast Alaska to take all necessary safety precautions.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of the deceased,” said Cmdr. Marc Burd, the Coast Guard Sector Juneau chief of response. “We want mariners and divers to make safety the number one priority before heading out in the uncertain and sometimes unpredictable waters of Southeast Alaska. We recommend always filing a float plan and having all required safety gear on board, which will help mariners prepare for a worst case scenario.”

The first safety incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved a dive fishery vessel underway in the vicinity of the Tongass Narrows with no immersion suits or flares on board. The Coast Guard directed the vessel’s operator to return to port until the operator could acquire proper safety equipment.

The second incident was on Monday. The Coast Guard conducted a safety boarding on a dive fishery vessel after the crew ran aground near Cat Island. The Coast Guard boarding team directed the vessel’s operator to return to port when they discovered multiple safety violations. Mariners should be well acquainted with the area they are operating in, including an understanding of charts and tide tables. More information on safe boating is available.

Boat operators and divers should be aware of all rules and regulations regarding the safe operation of vessels and diving equipment, as well as any laws that apply to their fishery.

The Coast Guard recommends consulting the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association safety page before diving in the extreme Alaska environment.

Source of News: 

U.S. Coast Guard
www.uscg.mil

Alaska Department of Public Safety
www.dps.state.ak.us

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