Friday, July 20, 2018

Coast Guard Rescues Plane Crash Survivors

By Karen Robes Meeks

Eleven people have been rescued after surviving a floatplane crash on Mount Jumbo, on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.

The crew of a US Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was able to safely hoist all 11 from the side of a mountain and carry them to a staging area. Temsco Helicopters transported them to Ketchikan.

“I am proud of everyone involved in this rescue and that we were able to get all 11 people to safety in a timely manner,” said Cmdr. Michael Kahle, Coast Guard Sector Juneau search and rescue mission coordinator. “Cases like these exemplify the versatility of our aircrews and how capable they are to expertly perform rescues from the ocean or even mountainsides.”

Everyone on board the floatplane sustained minor injuries, but were in good condition, according to the Coast Guard.