KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley started the year by towing a fishing vessel in distress to Adak on Monday.
The crew of the Aleutian No. 1, a 127-foot boat, reported to Watchstanders on Dec. 28 that its propeller was stuck after getting caught on some fishing gear. That left the vessel adrift in the middle of the Bering Sea.
The Alex Haley was assisting in another rescue when it received the call. It took until early morning nearly two days later to reach the stranded vessel and attach tow lines.
The cutter towed the boat 160 miles to Adak, where they passed the tow lines to another fishing vessel in the area on New Year’s Day.
“We’re proud to support Alaskan fishermen and, in this case, tow the vessel to safe harbor to effect necessary repairs and avoid a more serious incident,” said Lt. Cmdr Matthew Lynne, the Alex Haley’s operations officer.
The Alex Haley has since resumed its regular operations.
