AST was advised on 10/29/21 at 1715 hours, that seven people were stuck at a fish camp approximately 20 miles east of Emmonak on the Yukon River and they have shelter, supplies, heat, and are communicating via InReach device. The Yukon river froze over and they are unable to leave due to the ice conditions. Due to weather conditions, SAR assets have not been able to reach the location of the group. A supply drop of food and needed medications was successfully completed on 10/31/21 by AST with the assistance of Grant Air. AST is in contact with the group via inReach and they are reported to be staying warm but are still unable to self-rescue due to ice buildup on the Yukon River. Rescue efforts are continuing.
Update 11/4: The Alaska State Troopers and our search and rescue partners at the US Coast Guard and US Army are continuing to evaluate every available option to safely extract the seven individuals that are iced in approximately 20 miles east of Emmonak. The US Coast Guard helicopter was unable to launch today due to mechanical issues. No private helicopters are available today in the area to assist. Two US Army helicopters from Fort Wainwright are traveling to the area today, and are planning to extract the group tomorrow morning. No injuries have been reported to the Alaska State Troopers among the group, and the group is adequately supplied with food, water, shelter, and necessary supplies at this time.
Update 11/5: On November 4, 2021, at approximately 1900 hours the US Coast Guard was able to launch a helicopter from Nome to extract the group. At approximately 2040 hours, the group was successfully extracted from the fish camp and transported to Nome by the USCG helicopter. There were no injuries reported. The Alaska State Troopers would like to thank our partners at the US Coast Guard, US Army Alaska, the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, and Grant Aviation for their assistance during this operation.
The seven hunters have returned to their home in Pilot Station.
