The U.S. Coast Guard said Tuesday that a 15-year-old was the only person rescued alive after three boaters were reported missing off Alaska earlier this week.
Search crews located the teenager Monday near the Alaska coast, gripping the side of a capsized vessel. Authorities said he was in distress and facing a medical emergency when rescuers reached him.
The Coast Guard said the survivor was pulled from the overturned skiff while showing signs of hypothermia.
FILE — The teenager was discovered holding onto the overturned skiff while suffering symptoms consistent with hypothermia. (Alvaro Ballesteros/Europa Press via Getty Images)
The two other mariners aboard the 18-foot fishing vessel were found dead after the boat overturned roughly 4 miles east of St. Lawrence Island, officials said.
According to the Coast Guard, the search began early Monday after Alaska State Troopers alerted officials Sunday evening that the boat was overdue. The vessel had been expected back by 3 a.m. Sunday.
Officials said severe weather and low visibility prevented crews from launching rescue efforts until Monday morning.
FILE — A good Samaritan vessel assisted in rescuing the teen and recovering the bodies of the two mariners off Alaska’s coast. (Nathan Klima for The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
After launching an aircrew, personnel spotted the survivor and deployed a raft with survival equipment.
Officials said a good Samaritan vessel also stepped in, rescuing the 15-year-old survivor and recovering the bodies of the two deceased mariners from the water.
FILE — The Coast Guard began searching after Alaska State Troopers reported the fishing vessel was overdue to return Sunday evening. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Chief Petty Officer David Mosley)
The two mariners and the teen survivor were then brought to Nome, Alaska, officials said.
