KODIAK, Alaska – The Coast Guard rescued three children adrift in Saxman Harbor near Ketchikan, Monday.

A 25-foot response boat crew from Station Ketchikan located the children and safely returned them to their parents.

Sector Juneau watchstanders received notification from the Ketchikan Police Department dispatch of a report from the parents of the children, stating their three boys were adrift in the family’s small skiff. The watchstanders directed the launch of the smallboat crew who transferred the boys to their vessel and took the skiff in tow.

“Due to our central location we were able to arrive on scene within three minutes,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Matthew Degnon, Station Ketchikan crewmember. “Thankfully all three children were wearing lifejackets, and they should be proud of staying calm and being prepared for an emergency.”

State and federal regulations require children of a certain age to always wear lifejackets when on the water, but the Coast Guard recommends all boaters, regardless of age, wear a lifejacket whenever underway.

The sea conditions were reported to be calm with winds out of the west at 5 mph.

  adrift, Alaska, children, Coast Guard, ketchikan