Coast Guard sector Juneau Command Center watch standers received a distress call on VHF Marine radio channel 16 at approximately 8 PM on Wednesday evening. The distress call came from the two-man crew of the 36-foot, wooden-hulled Carrie Arlene.

The crew of the vessel reported that they were taking on water. They also reported that they were donning their survival suits case that they needed to abandon ship. An urgent Marine information broadcast was immediately sent out to any vessels in the area requesting them to respond if it is safe to do so.

With no assets in the area, a call was also made to the Alaska State troopers in Ketchikan and Wrangell Search and Rescue, reporting that the vessel in distress was at Macanamara Point near Snow Pass, with two Wrangell residents on board. It was also reported that the Carrie Arlene had lost steering and electrical functions when it began taking on water.

Wrangell Search and Rescue attempted to go to the location, but was turned back by adverse weather.

But, the crew of the Arik, which was nearby, was able to respond to the call for help. The 65-foot motor-vessel successfully followed the distress flares deployed by the stricken vessel and came to their aid. The Good Samaritan vessel was able to come alongside, then tow the vessel to the safety of a cove on the north side of Bushy Island. Once inside the cove, with the aid of the Arik, the Carrie Arlene was able to drop anchor and successfully pump the vessel out.

On Thursday morning, the vessel reported that it was able depart the cove under its own power and required no further assistance. No injuries were reported and the crew did not need medical assistance.

“Good Samaritans are instrumental in helping the Coast Guard come to the aid of boaters in distress,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Harkins, a watchstander at Sector Juneau. “The willingness of good Samaritans to step up and help a fellow mariner can often keep a case like this from developing into something worse.”

“The preparedness of the fishing vessel crew and their quick actions in notifying the Coast Guard of their deteriorating situation was critical to their rescue,” said Harkins. “The crew’s use of survival equipment including survival suits, flares and their marine VHF radio, not only kept them safe, but was essential in helping responders find them.”