Five Crew Members Rescued from Grounded Vessel Near Umnak Island

On April 2, 2026, the 58-foot F/V OCEAN BAY ran aground on Umnak Island’s northern shore in the Aleutians. At 4:45 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District Command Center in Juneau received a report that the vessel was taking on water. Watchstanders immediately coordinated a multi-asset response, dispatching an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak and diverted the Cutter WAESCHE to the scene.

A Good Samaritan vessel, F/T SEAFREEZE ALASKA, a 295-foot factory trawler, was first to arrive on the scene at approximately 5 a.m. The Hercules crew and WAESCHE reached the area about three hours later. By that time, the crew of the F/V OCEAN BAY had successfully stopped the flooding and dewatered the vessel.

The Jayhawk aircrew arrived at approximately 11:15 a.m. and hoisted all five crew members to safety, transporting them to Dutch Harbor for medical evaluation. Resolve Marine has been contracted to oversee salvage operations on the grounded vessel.

“The successful rescue … is a direct result of the integrated and highly professional efforts of our personnel,” said Chief Petty Officer Alex Washington of the Arctic District Command Center. “This operation emphasizes the effectiveness of our coordinated search and rescue capabilities and our unwavering commitment to preserving life at sea.”

Commercial fishing remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, and emergencies like this one serve as a reminder of the risks Alaskan fishermen face every day. If you or a family member has been injured at sea, understanding your rights under maritime law, including Jones Act protections and maintenance and cure, is an important first step. Contact us if we can answer any questions.