The following is the text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:
(ANCHORAGE, Alaska) — The Coast Guard suspended the search for a 28-year-old man who fell into the water near the Port of Anchorage, Monday.
Responders from multiple agencies including the Coast Guard, Anchorage Fire Department, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Air National Guard, Anchorage Police Department and Ted Stevens International Airport Police searched a 10-square mile area for approximately 18 hours before the case was suspended.
Watchstanders at the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center received a call just before midnight Sunday from personnel aboard the tug Sam B after the man fell from a skiff-style boat into the water without a lifejacket and was swept away by the strong current.
Two MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crews from Air Station Kodiak, an H-60 Pave Hawk helicopter crew from the 210th Rescue Wing at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and three Anchorage Fire Department vessels conducted searches over the water along with several good Samaritan vessels. Anchorage Police Department and airport police personnel from Ted Stevens International Airport conducted shoreside searches.
“The decision to suspend a search mission is never easy,” said Cmdr. Shawn Decker, Sector Anchorage chief of response. “The thoughts and prayers of the Coast Guard are with this man’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported to consist of 20-knot winds and 1-2-foot seas. The water temperature was reported to be 46 degrees.
