ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Coast Guard Sector Anchorage encourages boaters to prepare for unexpected emergencies after a review of the summer's search and rescue data reveals a preventable trend Thursday.

This summer, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage crews conducted 74 search and rescue cases, resulting in 26 lives saved, 262 lives assisted and more than $8 million in property saved.

“More than 45 percent of our total case load involved disabled vessels,” said Cmdr. Shane Montoya, deputy sector commander, Coast Guard Sector Anchorage.”

The Coast Guard encourages all mariners to ensure their vessel and equipment is in good working order prior to departure. Making certain there’s more than enough food, water, medicine, life jackets, flares and fuel can make a critical difference in reducing risk should the unexpected occur. It is also recommended that friends and family have a detailed float plan with vital information such as, where the boaters were going, how many people are on the vessel, contact information and a description of the vessel.

“We firmly believe a properly prepared mariner drastically improves the chances for a safe return to port,” said Montoya. “Help us keep you safe by visiting our Boating Safe Resource Center at www.uscgboating.com to prepare for your next underway trip.”