The search for four people missing from a boat that capsized Saturday night was suspended Sunday after a 24-hour search, according to a Monday statement from U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officer Travis Magee, assistant public affairs officer.
The Coast Guard received a report around 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3 that a 28-foot aluminum vessel with eight people on board was taking on water in the Gulf of Alaska 16 miles west of Homer. Following the report, the Coast Guard issued a radio broadcast notifying local vessels of the situation, according to the release.
The name of the vessel had not been released as of Monday.
A Good Samaritan boat, the Salty Sea, rescued four passengers from a life raft that was carried with the capsized boat, Homer Harbormaster Matt Clarke said Saturday. The U.S. Coast Guard cutter Naushon conducted a grid search pattern in the area where the capsize took place, he said.
The Coast Guard also launched a C-130J Hercules airplane crew and an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak and two 29-foot response vessels. Alaska State Troopers and multiple good Samaritan vessel crews also assisted with search efforts, according to the Coast Guard release.
The search was suspended after 24 hours.
“The decision to suspend a search is never easy and involves the careful consideration of many factors including environmental conditions and search operations,” the release said.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the missing people during this unimaginably difficult time.”
According to the USCG press release, the four missing people are David and Mary Maynard and two minors. The Loredo Morning Times, a Texas newspaper, reported that the family was visiting Alaska from Troy, Texas.
