KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
By Jacob Resneck at CoastAlaska in Juneau
The ferry Kennicott paused on its way to Bellingham to rescued five people in Canadian waters after a small boat capsized Friday morning in the Inside Passage.
The Bellingham-bound Alaska Marine Highway ferry responded to reports that a 20-foot boat was partially submerged near Humchitt Island about 200 miles south of Prince Rupert, B.C..
The ferry Kennicott dispatched a rescue boat and rescued five people. The partially submerged vessel’s captain remains missing, Royal Canadian Mounted Police confirmed Monday.
Alaska Department of Transportation Spokeswoman Meadow Bailey said: “the crew and master of the Kennicott did a very professional job in quickly assisting with the rescue. All vessels and crews in our fleet drill for these types of situations.”
The rescue delayed the ferry by about four hours. But Bailey said the Kennicott cut its time in port short to get back on schedule.
The Kennicott is due back in Kodiak on Friday morning and then is scheduled to depart midday for Homer.
