A rescue was launched by the United States Coast Guard Emergency Services in Ketchikan over the weekend to assist two vessels in Gem Cove, 23 miles east of Ketchikan.

The Canadian Command Center in Prince Rupert, British Columbia notified the United States Coast Guard that two vessels reported taking on water in Gem Cove. The Coast Guard in Ketchikan launched a response in a 47-foot Motor Life Boat.

When the Motor Life Boat arrived at the scene however, they found that because of the weather conditions and the shallow depth, they were unable to come along-side the vessels which were tied together in the cove.

A 25-foot Response Boat Small was launched and motered to the cove to assist. It was successful in getting along-side the two vessels.

The two men and a dog were transferred from the two vessels and during the trip back, one of the two men from the rescued vessels began to exhibit symptoms of a heart attack. The two men were taken to Herring Bay where they were again transferred, this time to emergency medical services.

“These men made the right decision and contacted the Coast Guard when their situation began to deteriorate,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Harkins, a watchstander at the Sector Juneau command center. “The Coast Guard recommends all mariners file a float plan with friends or relatives, check the weather before leaving port and to have communication devices, life jackets and emergency supplies aboard their vessel.”