Overdue hunting party found safe near POW

Boaters overdue from a hunting trip to Noyes Island off Prince of Wales were found safe Saturday morning.

Alaska State Troopers say they heard about the group Friday evening after one of the hunters, Belinda Nicole, sent a text message to her brother stating that the group was low on fuel and lost in the dark.

Troopers then contacted the U.S. Coast Guard and Klawock Search and Rescue. A Coast Guard helicopter responded, but because of weather conditions and lack of daylight was unable to locate the boat.

On Saturday morning, the Craig Harbor Master and Klawock Search and Rescue deployed vessels to search for the “Tonto III,” a 50-foot power troller owned by Michael Blair. At around 10:30 a.m., the boat was found near Port Real Marina.

Nobody on board needed medical attention, and the “Tonto III” was escorted to the Klawock harbor.