The search for three men that commenced after they were reported overdue from a fishing trip to Shelter Bay from Chenega Bay was called off on Sunday when it was reported they had returned late Sunday afternoon.

The overdue boaters were reported to the Coast Guard as missing late Sunday morning from a fishing trip that was originally to end on Saturday night.

The call prompted the launch of a Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Kodiak as well as a rescue boat from Valdez and the Coast Guard Cutter Mustang from Seward. As soon as the call came in from Chenega reporting the men safe, the assets were ordered to stand down.

When the men returned however, they returned without their watercraft. It was reported by the fishermen that their 17-foot skiff had overturned near Evans Island and they were able to mke it ashore there. The men walked back to the village on Sunday afternoon.

“Alaska’s waters are unforgiving and fortune favors the prepared,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Jennifer Lambert, an operations specialist and Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstander. “It’s recommended boaters dress for the weather, take communication devices and supplies with them and pay attention to weather forecasts.”

The Coast Guard also recommends boaters always file a float plan with a friend or family member to indicate the route of their voyage, a description of the vessel, the number of people aboard and the time they intend to return. Filing a float plan ensures responders are notified if you are overdue and provides them with detailed information that can aid searchers to find you faster.