Maritime Injury Law BlogF/V Wind Walker Tragedy in Alaska’s Icy Waters
The icy waters off Alaska proved unforgiving early Monday morning as a tragic chapter unfolded. The F/V WIND WALKER, a 50-foot commercial vessel, capsized near Point Couverden, southwest of Juneau, leaving five crew members unaccounted for and a community dealing with grief and unanswered questions.
The U.S. Coast Guard first received a distress call at 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, December 1st, 2024. The urgent Mayday message conveyed a grim situation, as the vessel was overturning amid heavy snow, 60 mph winds, and six-foot seas. Attempts to gather more details were met with silence. Shortly after the call, an emergency beacon confirmed the distress signal from the waters of the Icy Strait.
The U.S. Coast Guard launched a large-scale search and rescue operation involving an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, a 45-foot response boat, and additional resources. Crews braved harsh conditions and searched over 108 square nautical miles. Despite their efforts, no sign of the crew was found. The search was suspended Monday morning, pending new information.
Search teams discovered seven empty survival suits. Four were found floating in Spasski Bay and three were found along the shoreline. These full-body suits are designed to protect crew members from cold water and aid in buoyancy. It remains unclear if the suits had been donned by the crew before the vessel capsized. The GPS beacon and strobe lights from the F/V WIND WALKER were also recovered, helping narrow the search area, but no life raft or wreckage has been found at this time.
The U.S. Coast Guard cutters HEALY and DOUGLAS DENMAN continued the search, utilizing underwater sonar near Point Couverden. Conditions were extreme with water temperatures at approximately 45°F and 17 inches of snow falling on Juneau over the weekend.
Petty Officer John Hightower described the challenges faced by the rescue teams: “They’ve been searching all through the night, but unfortunately, no physical sign of the vessel has been found yet.” The crew of the F/V WIND WALKER had last been seen by a NOAA team on Saturday, hours before the tragedy.
A Community in Mourning
The loss has sent shockwaves through Alaska’s tight-knit fishing community. Chief Warrant Officer James Koon expressed deep sorrow on behalf of the search teams. “We stand in sorrow and solidarity with the friends and family of the people we were not able to find,” he said. “Our collective hearts are with those experiencing this profound loss.”
As one of the most dangerous professions, rigorous training, state-of-the-art safety equipment, and a steadfast commitment to preparedness are paramount. Stacey and Jacobsen, PLLC is one of the most experienced Maritime Law Firms in the nation. They understand the essential role safety measures play in saving lives and the devastating consequences when such measures fall short. If you or a loved one is in need of Maritime Law assistance or have questions about your rights, call (877) 332-5529 for a free consultation.