Rural Alaska

Coast Guard rescues walrus hunters stranded in sea ice off Western Alaska

Kodiak-based Coast Guard crews rescued six hunters from two skiffs that were stranded near the Western Alaska island village of Shishmaref early Wednesday morning.

A plane was launched to find the hunters after state troopers called the Coast Guard. Troopers told them communication with the group had been cut off, said Petty Officer 3rd Class Lauren Steenson.

A helicopter was used to hoist three hunters from one skiff that was stuck in sea ice. The three remaining hunters made it to shore and were picked up by the helicopter, Steenson said. All six hunters returned to Shishmaref together, she said.

There were no reports of injuries.

Jerzy Shedlock

Jerzy Shedlock is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2017.

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