Friday, June 3, 2016

Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers respond to cannery fire in Uyak Bay, Alaska


Responders assess a fire at the Park's Cannery near Uyak Bay on Kodiak Island, Alaska, June 2, 2016. The Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist with rescue efforts. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
Responders assess a fire at the Park’s Cannery near Uyak Bay on Kodiak Island, Alaska, June 2, 2016. The Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew to assist with rescue efforts. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

KODIAK, Alaska — Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak aircrews, Alaska State Troopers and the crew of the good Samaritan fishing vessel Alaskan responded to a fire at the Park’s Cannery in southern Uyak Bay on Kodiak Island, Alaska, Thursday.

The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisted three survivors with burn injuries and transported them to Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center.  In addition to the three injured, there was one confirmed fatality.

Coast Guard watchstanders in Anchorage and Juneau received report of the fire from the mayor of Larsen Bay, along with a request for Coast Guard air assistance.  Coast Guard Sector Anchorage watchstanders coordinated with Alaska State Troopers and launched the Jayhawk crew to the scene to transport personnel and assist with the injured.

“The Coast Guard offers its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased,” said Cmdr. James Binniker, Sector Anchorage command duty officer. “Coast Guard aircrews were able to work with our Alaska State Trooper partners to consolidate information and plan response efforts to rescue three people and transport them to a medical facility.  We also thank the crew of the Alaskan for their assistance with this response.”