JUNEAU, Alaska — The U.S. Coast Guard is assisting the Alaska State Troopers in responding to a mudslide that occurred in Wrangell, Monday evening.
One survivor was located and is in good condition. There are currently five people reported missing and one person found deceased.
The Coast Guard Cutter Bailey Barco (WPC 1122), an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter air crew from Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, and an HC-130 Hercules air crew from Air Station Kodiak are on scene conducting search and rescue operations.
Alaska State Troopers are leading search efforts, and the Coast Guard continues to coordinate with them while responding to this event.
Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska initially received a VHF-FM radio call from a Wrangell resident who witnessed a land side impact several homes at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Monday.
Wrangell Search and Rescue overheard the call and arrived on scene to search for missing persons. The Coast Guard diverted the Bailey Barco and launched the MH-60 and HC-130 air crews to assist in search and rescue efforts.
“The collaborative efforts displayed by the multiple organizations involved in the response efforts for this disaster reflect how the Alaskan people come together to help each other in times of need,” said Captain Darwin Jensen, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska. “We offer our deepest condolences to all those involved in this terrible tragedy, and continue to search for the missing.”
-USCG-