ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- The Coast Guard rescued three hunters from dangerous weather conditions at Windy Lake near Kodiak Sunday.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak safely transported the men to Air Station Kodiak where they were examined by waiting emergency medical personnel.
Watchstanders at the 17th District command center in Juneau received a request for assistance from Sea Hawk Air and Alaska State Troopers to rescue the hunters when weather conditions became too dangerous for the men to remain at their campsite. The men's tents were blown away by 30-40-mph winds Saturday night, and there were concerns they might become hypothermic. The helicopter crew launched from Kodiak and managed to land near the men, allowing them to board the helicopter and be flown to safety.
"These men did the right thing by planning ahead, maintaining contact with their charter agency and rescuers and, most importantly, not overestimating their ability to endure the elements," said Lt. Cmdr. Doug Watson of the Coast Guard 17th District response management department. "As we get closer to autumn and the weather becomes colder, it becomes more important for hunters to plan for rain, heavy winds and other dangerous conditions."
The Coast Guard reminds hunters to leave a travel plan including campsite locations and estimated trip duration with family or friends before beginning any hunting trip. It is also recommended to bring more than one means of communication when possible and to always carry a signal device such as a mirror or flares for the event of a rescue.
The weather on scene at the time of the rescue was reported to be 45-degrees Farenheit with intermittent showers and up to 46-mph winds.
