JUNEAU, Alaska — Coast Guard personnel and Alaska State Troopers rescued three stranded hunters in Wells Bay, 60 miles northwest of Cordova, Wednesday.

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew forward-deployed to Cordova hoisted the hunters and transported them to Valdez for medical attention.

Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center watchstanders were contacted by Alaska State Troopers who requested assistance locating and rescuing the stranded hunters. Sector Anchorage personnel directed the launch of the helicopter crew and coordinated the rescue.

“Our forward-deployed asset in Cordova significantly reduces our response time in the Gulf of Alaska and Kenai Peninsula,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Michael McCandless, a Sector Anchorage watchstander. “In the harsh Alaskan environment, not having to wait on an aircrew from Sitka or Kodiak is critical.”

The three rescued men were listed in stable condition, with one reportedly experiencing mild hypothermia.

For more information contact Petty Officer 3rd Class Grant DeVuyst at 907-321-1866.