Correction: The two men and their dog remained aboard the Station Ketchikan 25-foot Response Boat-Small and were not transferred to the Station Ketchikan 47-foot Motor Life Boat.
KODIAK, Alaska — The Coast Guard rescued two men and their dog from two 39-foot vessels lashed together in Gem Cove 23 miles east of Ketchikan Sunday.
The two men were taken to Herring Bay and transferred safely to emergency medical services by a Station Ketchikan 25-foot Response Boat-Small crew after one of the men reportedly began exhibiting heart attack symptoms.
The Coast Guard was initially notified of the case by the Canadian command center in Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The men aboard the vessels had reported that they were taking on water in Gem Cove.
The Coast Guard launched a Station Ketchikan MLB to respond but the crew was unable to come alongside due to on scene conditions and shallow water depth. The Station Ketchikan RBS crew was sent to assist.
The RBS was able to get alongside the vessels and transfer to two people and their dog to safety.
"These men made the right decision and contacted the Coast Guard when their situation began to deteriorate," said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Harkins, a watchstander at the Sector Juneau command center. "The Coast Guard recommends all mariners file a float plan with friends or relatives, check the weather before leaving port and to have communication devices, life jackets and emergency supplies aboard their vessel."
Weather on scene was reportedly 35 mph winds with gusts to 58 mph and 3-foot seas.