By Karen Robes Meeks
Four mariners have been rescued by crewmembers of the US Coast Guard Cutter Naushon after their fishing vessel broke down and was unable to anchor about 57 miles west of Kodiak Island, south of Shelikof Strait, Alaska.
The crew towed the mariners and their 48-foot commercial fishing vessel Soulmate to Lazy Bay cannery, Alitak Bay, Alaska.
Coast Guard Sector Anchorage first received the report about the Soulmate. Communications with the vessel master were difficult because VHF radios were unreliable, so watchstanders started a six-hour communications schedule via satellite phone and asked for the Naushon crew to be diverted, according to the Coast Guard.
“This case highlights the importance of having multiple means of communications,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael Taylor, a Sector Anchorage watchstander. “The availability of both a VHF radio and a satellite phone on board the vessel allowed for consistent communication with the master providing up to date information and situational reports.”
