U.S. Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Crewman

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a 22-year-old crewman who was reported missing and presumed overboard, after an extensive search.

The Motor Vessel Challenge Prelude was about 110 miles south of Sand Point, Alaska when the call to command center watchstanders came in. At 2:20p.m. on Sunday, March 25th, it was reported that the crewmember had been missing since approximately 1:30p.m.

An emergency signal was announced aboard the oil tanker Challenge Prelude, and a full search of the vessel was conducted. The ship’s master took the vessel back to the location where the crewman had last been seen, and an inventory of all lifesaving and survival equipment was performed. All equipment was accounted for.

A Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules aircrew were immediately deployed and searched a 673 square mile area for 14 hours.

Weather at the scene was reported as 3-foot seas, winds at 9-miles per hour, and a water temperature of 39 degrees.

“The Coast Guard utilized various assets, while saturating the search area in hopes of finding the 22-year-old,” said Capt. Darran McLenon, District 17 chief of response. “Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.”