Coast Guard suspends search for fisherman missing off boat near Dutch Harbor

 

The Coast Guard suspended its search Thursday for a possible person in the water near Dutch Harbor.

Still missing is 33-year-old Steven Mencer, last seen wearing a neon green pullover rain jacket with orange and black pants. Mencer failed to report for crew check-in on the F/V Alaska Mist, when the 164-foot vessel tied up in Dutch Harbor at the Coastal Transportation Northern Dock.

Mencer was last seen at sea aboard the vessel approximately 45 minutes prior to being reported missing.

 

 

Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak dispatched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane. In addition, the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley was diverted from a mission, and the F/V Alaska Mist crew searched nearby waters.

Searchers covered a total of 63 square miles in over approximately 7.4 hours, according to a Coast Guard spokesperson. The Coast Guard suspended the search at 8:20 p.m. Thursday night.

Coast Guard District 17 command duty officer, Lt. Danny Piazza, said in a press release:

“Despite our best efforts, we were already at a disadvantage due to the water temperature and reports that Mr. Mencer was not wearing a PFD. Our thoughts are with Mr. Mencer’s family and friends.”