Crew Member Lost Overboard Near Valdez Alaska

It is with great sadness that we report the loss of Guy Eriksen, a 39-year-old crew member from Nevada, who went overboard from the F/V INLET SUNRISE shortly after midnight on August 23^rd, 2026. The vessel was anchored in Sawmill Bay at the time of the incident, about ten miles from Valdez Harbor.

Watchstanders at U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska and U.S. Arctic received the call at approximately 12:07 a.m. and launched a response. The U.S. Coast Guard Station Valdez boat crew searched the area in a response boat-medium, as well as an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak, Alaska. State Troopers and approximately ten Good Samaritan vessels also responded to help. On-scene conditions were relatively mild for the region, with 5 mph winds, calm seas, and an air temperature of 49 degrees. The search lasted more than 10 hours, and was eventually suspended at 10:45 a.m. on August 23, pending further information.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers took over the search effort, requesting assistance from the Alaska Dive Search Rescue and Recovery Team. That evening, at about 9 p.m., the dive team recovered Mr. Eriksen’s body from the water near where he had gone missing. He was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, and an investigation into his death remains ongoing.

“Our deepest condolences are with the families, colleagues and crewmembers affected by this incident,” said Capt. Joel Carse, sector commander for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska & U.S. Arctic. “Maritime conditions in Alaska can be inherently dangerous. The U.S. Coast Guard and our partners are committed to a thorough investigation to fully understand what happened in order to prevent future tragedies like this from occurring. We encourage all mariners to take safety precautions when working on and around the water.”

When a tragedy like this occurs, families are often left searching for answers and navigating a complex aftermath. This is where federal maritime law comes in. Federal maritime law, including the Jones Act and general maritime doctrines like unseaworthiness and maintenance and cure, exist specifically to address what happens when a mariner is lost or injured while working aboard a vessel. These laws look at things like whether the vessel was reasonably fit for its purpose, whether proper safety equipment and procedures were in place, and what obligations the vessel owner has to the crew member’s family in the aftermath.

Cases like this often raise hard questions. If you have questions about what typically happens after an incident like this, our team is here to offer a compassionate, confidential consultation to help you understand your rights. You can reach us at 1-877-DECKLAW.