Sept. 8, 2026
CORRECTION: UPDATE: Coast Guard locates missing boaters near St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
CORRECTION: UPDATE: Coast Guard locates missing boaters near St. Lawrence Island, Alaska
Editor's note: The following errors from the previous version have been corrected:
• The survivor's age has been corrected to 15 years old.
• Unit and asset information has been corrected to identify:
o The Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing units, the 211th Rescue Squadron and 212th Rescue Squadron, from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.
o A 211th RQS HC-130 with 212th RQS Guardian Angels.
JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard concluded its search efforts for three missing boaters following the rescue of one survivor and the recovery of two deceased from the water approximately 4 miles east of St. Lawrence Island, Monday.
A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew from Air Station Kodiak located the survivor clinging on the capsized vessel at approximately 3 p.m. and deployed a raft along with survival equipment.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Arctic District command center coordinated the rescue of the survivor with the Northwest Explorer, a nearby good Samaritan vessel.
Before departing the scene to refuel, the HC-130 aircrew deployed a line of flares to guide the Northwest Explorer to the overturned vessel.
The 15-year-old survivor was rescued from the overturned skiff experiencing symptoms of hypothermia.
The two deceased were also recovered from the water unresponsive, taken aboard the good Samaritan vessel, and transported to Nome with the survivor.
The Coast Guard Arctic District coordinated search efforts with the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the Alaska Air National Guard's 176th Wing units 211th Rescue Squadron and 212th Rescue Squadron from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska State Troopers, and local authorities in Savoonga.
In total, two HC-130s, two MH 60 Jayhawk helicopters from Air Station Kodiak, and a 211th RQS HC-130 with 212th RQS Guardian Angels were also launched to assist.
“Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and communities affected by the tragic loss of these two mariners," said Rear Adm. Bob Little, the commander of the Arctic District. “We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the motor vessel Northwest Explorer, Federal, State, Village first responders and mission partners who assisted in the effort that resulted in a life saved.”
For any questions, reach out to the Arctic District public affairs office at uscgalaska@uscg.mil.
Initial press release