JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Cutter Mustang small boat crew rescued three stranded hikers from Tonsina Point, five miles south of Seward, Sunday.
The cutter’s small boat crew located the uninjured hikers at the point and transported them to Seward.
The hikers left Seward on a walk late Saturday evening with only a half-gallon of water and a few snacks. During the night the tide came in and stranded them. They started a fire to keep warm, but had no tree cover or gear to protect them when it began raining.
The hikers notified the Seward Police of their situation via cell phone just after 4 a.m., who in turn notified Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center watchstanders, prompting the launch of the small boat crew.
“Alaska’s extreme environment requires thoughtful preparation before beginning an adventure,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael McCandless, a watchstander at the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center. “You never know when things will take a turn for the worse, so always carry any necessary gear and provisions, a means of communication and always let someone know where you are going.”
For more information, contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst at 907-321-1866.