The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(JUNEAU, Alaska) — Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak air crews, along with good Samaritans, responded to 46 crewmembers aboard the fishing vessel Alaska Juris who abandoned ship near Kiska Island, approximately 690 miles west of Dutch Harbor, Alaska, on Tuesday.
All 46 crewmembers were transferred to good Samaritan vessels Spar Canis and Vienna Express to be transported to Adak.
Coast Guard 17th District watch standers received an electronic position indicating radio beacon alert from Alaska Juris around 11:30 a.m. Alaska time and contacted the crew directly to confirm they were in distress, donning survival suits and abandoning ship.
Coast Guard cutter Midgett and an Air Station Kodiak HC-130 Hercules airplane were diverted to the vessel’s location. Two Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopters were launched to Adak as a staging and refueling area. Watch standers also issued an urgent marine information broadcast to vessels in the area. Motor vessels Spar Canis, Vienna Express, Seafisher and Ocean Peace diverted to assist.
The cause of the vessel taking on water is under investigation. There are no reports of injuries.
“The crew of the Alaska Juris did the right thing by calling for help, putting on their immersion suits and safely abandoning the ship,” said Lt. Greg Isbell, District 17 command duty officer. “Emergencies can occur at any time in Alaska's vast and extreme environment, and the good Samaritans' willingness to respond to the UMIB was paramount to getting the Alaska Juris crew to safety.”
Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation is monitoring the case closely. Weather on scene was reported as calm seas and limited visibility.
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