Coast Guard tows disabled vessel to Alitak Bay

Photo by Cinthia Gibbens-Stimson/The Cordova Times

Four mariners aboard the disabled 48-foot commercial fishing vessel Soulmate, adrift 57 miles west of Kodiak Island, south of Shelikof Strait were rescued on June 3 by the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Naushon.

The Naushon crew towed the mariners to Lazy Bay cannery in Alitak Bay, on the south side of Kodiak Island.

The Coast Guard responded after receiving a report from the vessel master on June 2 that the Soulmate was disabled, adrift and unable to anchor. Initial communications via VHF radio were unreliable.

“This case highlights the importance of having multiple means of communications,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Taylor, a sector Anchorage watchstander. “The availability of both a VHF radio and a satellite phone on board the vessel allowed for consistent communication with the master providing up to date information and situational reports.”

Weather on scene was reported at 15 miles an hour, with 11.5 miles visibility.

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