Petty Officer Third Class Travis Obendorf, who was injured during rescue operations north of Amak Island on November 11th, died in the Swedeish Medical Center in Seattle on Wednesday.

Obendorf, who was injured during the first non-essential crew tranfer from the disabled vessel as he assisted in recovering the Cutter “Waesche’s” small boat. After his injury, Obbendorf was transferred to Cold Bay and on to an Anchorage Hospital, but further tranferred to Seattle on December 6th.

Thye rescue operation went to the assistance of the 166-foot “Arctic Mist” after that vessel suffered a mechanical failure and was subsequently adrift 30 miles northwest of Amak Island.

The Coast Guard Cutter “Waesche” went to the vessel’s assistance along with an Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Helicopter and the 207-foot Tug “Resolve Pioneer.” The vessel was successfully towed into port after non-essential crew was disembarked from the vessel.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Petty Officer Obendorf’s family and his shipmates aboard Coast Guard Cutter Waesche during this difficult time,” said Vice Adm. Paul Zukunft, commander, U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.

Obendorf’s family was at his side when he passed away.

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