The U.S. Coast Guard said Sunday it was searching for five people after a fishing boat reportedly capsized in waters near Alaska's capital, Juneau, due to rough weather.
The crew of the 50-foot boat Wind Walker raised the alarm about 12:10 a.m. that the vessel was capsizing, according to a Coast Guard news agency, but no further information was received from the crew. Coast Guard attempts to obtain information went unanswered. release.
The Wind Walker capsized off Cape Couverden, southwest of Juneau.
The crew of the AMHS Hubbard ferry was first on the scene after hearing the broadcast, and the Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and response boat, according to a press release.
Seven cold water immersion suits and two strobe lights were found underwater within the search area.
Responding forces faced heavy snow, winds of up to 60 mph and sea speeds of 6 feet, and winter storm warnings were in effect for parts of the Gulf of Alaska.
The Coast Guard said people familiar with the Wind Walker's crew, which departed just south of Point Cooverden in the Ice Strait, said there were five people on board, but authorities have not yet been able to confirm that number. , he said.
