You are here

Home » Two Dead, Four Saved After Fishing Boat Capsizes At Glacier Bay National Park

Two Dead, Four Saved After Fishing Boat Capsizes At Glacier Bay National Park

Share

Published Date

May 31, 2016
Glacier Bay, Glacier Bay National Park/Kurt Repanshek

A fishing trip to Glacier Bay National Park ended tragically when a small boat capsized and two men drowned/Kurt Repanshek file photo

A holiday fishing outing at Glacier Bay National Park in Alaska ended tragically when the small craft capsized, leaving two dead and four with hypothermia, according to park staff.

According to a park release, late Monday afternoon rangers received word that the Invader, an aluminum fishing vessel with six persons on board, had been observed capsized in the waters near Strawberry Island, 10 miles from park headquarters at Bartlett Cove. A variety of vessels, both large and small responded to the area and coordinated to search for victims and provide assistance.

Local charter operator Jim Kearns quickly located two victims in the water and one on the shoreline of Strawberry Island. He rushed them to Bartlett Cove where they were treated for mild hypothermia and released, the release said. Another victim experiencing severe hypothermia was transported by a National Park Service research vessel and airlifted to Juneau by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter. 

Two unresponsive victims were located in the water and retrieved by the crew of the tour vessel Wilderness Discoverer. Despite efforts and extended CPR by onboard EMTs, crew, and park rangers, the two victims never regained consciousness and were pronounced dead upon arrival to Bartlett Cove, the park release said.

"I would like to express the deep sadness felt by the entire Glacier Bay family at the loss of these two park visitors," said Glacier Bay Superintendent Philip Hooge. "This is a reminder to all vessel owners on the importance of wearing life jackets and having ready access to emergency communication tools. The park thanks the multiple commercial and private operators that came together with the Coast Guard to save four lives."

The weather on scene was clear and calm. A National Park Service response team was to revisit the site Tuesday to locate and secure the vessel for recovery. 

Stories about:

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Ken McMullin on June 1, 2016 - 5:01pm.

My heart felt prayers go out to the entire party.  I have fished on this boat and in the specific fishing hole near Strawberry.  I am sincerely impacted by this tragic event.


Submitted by Rick B. on June 1, 2016 - 5:59pm.

One of the last things we did before moving out of Alaska was a halibut/salmon fishing charter right in this area. I feel for everyone in this small community, and am comforted by the near-universal turnout of support from local folks, NPSers, Coast Guard, etc.


Submitted by Larry A. on July 1, 2016 - 9:51pm.

I personally know the owner of this boat.  I had the pleasure last August to fulfill a lifelong dream of halibut fishing in Alaska. My heart is filled with sadness for everyone as I know they were having a great time and to have it end so tragically is mindnumbing.


Donate Popup

The National Parks Traveler keeps you informed on how politics impact national parks and protected areas.

Become a sustaining member.

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.