After receiving a call from the Alaska State Troopers reporting an overdue kayaker near Anchorage on Tuesday evening, the United States Coast Guard launched a Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter that was redeployed to Cordova, to conduct a search of the area.
It was reported that the man was on a kayaking trip from the Knik Arm Access to COttonwood Creek.
USCG searched throughout the area for the kayak described as bright orange. Their search of the area turned up no results.
On Wednesday, the kayaker’s wife informed the Coast Guard that her husband had contacted her and was ok. According to the man’s wife, the kayaker had run into low tide conditions and was unable to reach his intended destination near Wasilla. Because of the low water conditions, the man would abandon his kayak and hike back to his vehicle near the Knik Arm Access. When he arrived back to his vehicle, he was able to contact his wife.
“The kayaker was unable to reach his family or call for assistance because his cell phone battery ran out,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Lindsey Green, Sector Anchorage watchstander. “This case illustrates the importance of having reliable means of communication when heading out on the water in the event of an emergency.”