Dec 11, 2024, 4:58 AM
Dec 10, 2024, 12:00 AM

Two bodies recovered after Wind Walker capsizes in treacherous Alaska waters

Tragic
Highlights
  • Two bodies were discovered in debris from the Wind Walker, a fishing boat that capsized with five people aboard.
  • The mayday call from the Wind Walker indicated it was in distress on December 1, but communication ceased shortly after.
  • Authorities are investigating the recovery of the bodies as part of ongoing efforts to find the remaining missing individuals.
Story

In a tragic incident off the southeast coast of Alaska, the fishing vessel Wind Walker capsized earlier in December 2024, leading to the loss of five individuals aboard. Despite a search initiated by the U.S. Coast Guard, which began after the crew issued a mayday call at 12:10 AM on December 1, communication from the boat ceased, creating uncertainty regarding the state of its crew. On December 9, authorities received reports from a beachcomber about remains and debris found in a bay east of Hoonah, which prompted officials to investigate. Evidence collected from the scene included fishing gear and survival suits associated with the Wind Walker. The two bodies discovered on site were transported for autopsy and identification, while the search for the remaining individuals, unfortunately, yielded no additional evidence despite extensive efforts by local dog teams along the shoreline. These events reflect the dangers faced by maritime workers in Alaskan waters, particularly during rough sea conditions. Families of the missing individuals have been kept informed throughout this harrowing experience as the authorities continue to gather information. The search was initially suspended on December 2, indicating a challenging search environment amidst adverse weather and ocean conditions.

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