On April 12, 2026, a Coast Guard crew rescued three adults and one child after their 18-foot boat became trapped in shifting ice about 10 miles west of Chefornak. The group had been stranded for over 24 hours during a subsistence seal hunting trip.
After freeing their vessel overnight, they attempted to reach help from a shore party using snow machines, but moving ice blocked their path. A helicopter and airplane were dispatched from Air Station Kodiak, with the helicopter arriving early Sunday morning after refueling stops.
All four individuals were safely airlifted and returned to Chefornak without injuries.
Lieutenant Commander Alexis Chavarria-Aguilar, pilot-in-command for the helicopter, commented on the rescue mission, “We battled nearly every Alaska-centric aviation weather hazard imaginable, such as flying over 800 miles in near-zero visibility through mountainous terrain, blowing snow and icing conditions. The teamwork was on full display during the recovery of the survivors. It was a long, difficult night, but I’m so proud of everyone involved who worked seamlessly together to bring four people home safely.”
At GLP Attorneys, we are grateful that all four people were rescued safely.
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If you are or have been injured at sea or on the water, it is highly recommended to speak to a knowledgeable and experienced maritime personal injury attorney.
Contact GLP Attorneys today for a free lawyer consultation if you have been injured at sea or on the water by calling 800.273.5005, or email our attorneys at .
