The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an aerial rescue operation on Montague Island, pulling a stranded fisherman from the shores in a basket on Wednesday, the USCG reports.

Watchstanders with the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage received an assistance request from a fisherman who’s vessel became disabled at Montague Island, an uninhabited island favored by hunters, and is also a relocation site for bears. He related to watchstanders that his 30-foot vessel had drifted onto the rocky shore and was aground.

A Kodiak Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk was launched from the Forward Operating Location of Cordova, where it was based to respond to situations in Prince William Sound, and flew fifty miles to the location to the southwest of that community.

While the aircraft was en-route to the fisherman’s location, he informed watchstanders that he was preparing to abandon his vessel and go ashore because of the large, incoming surf.

“This case highlights the importance of having radio communication while boating in remote Alaskan waters,” said Lt. j.g. Kellen Stock, a Sector Anchorage watchstander. “Crews at the FOL in Cordova regularly train for rescues in Prince William Sound allowing them to safely rescue and transport the fisherman.”

The Jayhawk reached the location on the north side of the remote island where the fisherman awaited their arrival on shore with an ignited flare, the Jayhawk safely lifted the fisherman via basket and transported him to Cordova.

There were no injuries reported.

[smoothcategory catg_slug=”at-sea”]

  Alaska, basket, Coast Guard, fisherman, jayhawk, lift, montague island, rescue, stranded