The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people who got stuck on the shores of Annette Island without food or water on Tuesday night.
Ali Blackburn is a public affairs officer with the Coast Guard. She said the pair had beached their skiff on the shore and were planning to head back out again later.
“I’m not sure if they’re just adventuring, but they did plan to refloat with the tide,” Blackburn explained. “But then the water became too rough, so they abandoned that plan.”
Responders from Station Ketchikan heard about the pair from a concerned resident, and arrived at Annette Island around 11 p.m.
“So they were taken off of Annette island and transferred back to Ketchikan to meet acquaintances, is from what I understand,” she said.
Neither of the boaters needed medical help, but Blackburn said they were unprepared to be on the shore for the night.
“They didn’t have enough food or clothing or water,” she said.
Blackburn explained boaters should always be ready for unexpected hiccups.
“Ensuring you have the appropriate weather gear and not just for air temperature weather — you want to make sure that, you know, in the event you go in the water, you’re prepared to be in cold waters,” Blackburn said. “And we know Alaska has really frigid waters, so making sure you have the appropriate clothing. A life vest in the event your vessel sinks.”
Blackburn also stressed that boaters need to let someone know where they’re going, and when they plan to be back.
Raegan Miller is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution at KRBD.org/donate.
