The Coast Guard and the fishing vessel "Myra" came to the assistance of another fishing vessel taking on water approximately five miles west of Fairweather Ground on Wednesday.

The 70-foot fishing vessel Masonic reported to the Coast Guard Watchstanders in Juneau on Wednesday afternoon, that they were taking on water and notified the Coast Guard that they may need an additional pump to get the situation under control. The Watchstanders immediately launched an MH-60 Jayhawk from Air Station Sitka and dispatched the Coast Guard Cutter Liberty to the scene.

Meanwhile the vessel Myra arrived on the scene and assisted the crew of the Masonic until they were able to begin dewaterring their vessel by their own means. Shortly thereafter, the Coast Guard Jayhawk helicopter arrived at the scene and delivered two additional de-watering pumps to the Masonic. The Jayhawk also delivered a rescue swimmer to assist the crew of the Masonic pump out their vessel.

The Jayhawk helicopter and its rescue swimmer stayed with the vessel until the situation was under control, at which time, the Jayhawk crew retrieved their swimmer and departed back to Sitka.

The Masonic departed the area after pumping out their vessel and headed to Cross Sound to investigate the origin of the leak aboard the vessel. The Myra continued on its voyage.

The Coast Guard Cutter Liberty met up with the Masonic Wednesday evening and escorted them to a location outside of Hoonah Harbor. The two vessels are now awaiting first light this morning before entering the harbor there.

“In these dangerous waters, preparedness and early actions from the crew and nearby good Samaritan vessels play a key role in ensuring the safety of the Alaskan boating community,” said Lt. Ryan Erickson of Sector Juneau. “Due to the vast areas our Coast Guard crews are required to cover, it is vital that all mariners ensure their vessels are inspected and properly outfitted before setting sail.”

The weather on scene at the time of the incident was reportedly 11-foot seas and 25 mph gusting 35 mph. The reported windchill was 26 degrees.

The Myra and the Masonic both are ported out of Sitka, Alaska.