ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations Monday in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, Alaska, where communities have been impacted by severe flooding.
In support of the state of Alaska’s response, Coast Guard crews from Air Station Kodiak successfully rescued 18 people in Kwigillingok and 16 people in Kipnuk. All were transferred to safety in stable condition.
Search efforts are ongoing for three residents of Kwigillingok who remain unaccounted for. A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew searched 76 square miles for the missing individuals Sunday and resumed first light searches this morning. Search efforts are currently underway.
The crew of Coast Guard Cutter Kimball (WMSL 756) aided in search and rescue efforts using unmanned aerial surveillance, providing logistics support for aviation assets participating in rescue operations. Relief crews and supplies are being staged in Bethel to support a multi-day response.
The Coast Guard is working closely with partner agencies, including the Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Alaska Air and Army National Guard to coordinate ongoing rescue operations in impacted communities.
“Preservation of life is our top priority,” said Capt. Christopher Culpepper, commander of U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic. “The Coast Guard remains closely connected to the State Emergency Operations Center in full support of combined rescue and response operations alongside State Troopers, National Guard, and various additional agencies.”
The situation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Anyone in need of rescue should contact the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at 907-551-7230.