Coast Guard Rescues Two Fishermen After Vessel Runs Aground Near Kodiak

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two fishermen Wednesday morning after their vessel ran aground on rocks near Pasagshak Bay, approximately two miles offshore from Kodiak Island.

The 41-foot F/V QUANTUM, based out of Homer, struck rocks surrounding a small island near Ugak and Pasagshak Bays around 7:08 a.m. on January 21, 2026. The crew immediately reported they were taking on water and issued an SOS to the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic command center.

Watchstanders quickly issued an Urgent Marine Information Broadcast, and nearby good Samaritan vessels confirmed that both crewmembers were wearing survival suits, a decision that officials say may have been critical to their safety.

Within 11 minutes of receiving the distress call, at 7:19 a.m., an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew launched from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak. The aircrew arrived on scene approximately an hour later and hoisted both fishermen from the damaged vessel, transporting them to emergency medical services in Kodiak.

“This case showcased the importance of maintaining proper emergency equipment like the survival suits donned by the crew of the Quantum,” said Ens. Anya Charm, command duty officer at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic command center.

Kirick Reutov, owner of the F/V QUANTUM, is coordinating salvage efforts with the U.S. Coast Guard. As of Thursday morning, the vessel was still aground at the site of the incident.

The incident underscores the harsh realities of Alaska’s fishing industry, where proper safety equipment and quick emergency response can mean the difference between life and death in the frigid waters of the North Pacific. Maintain, inspect, and test all immersion suits today.  Under federal law, it is the duty of the person in charge of the vessel to make sure all lifesaving gear is properly maintained and inspected before each voyage.