 August 11, 2009
The hunter was identified as Lt. Andrew Hoag, commanding officer of the Ketchikan-based Coast Guard Cutter Naushon, Hoag eft on a hunting trip with two friends and did not return to camp Friday night as expected. A fellow hunter departed the camp Saturday morning to reach an area where communications were possible and placed a Mayday call. The call was received by a vessel in the area and the call was reported to the Alaska State Troopers who notified the Coast Guard. The Alaska State Troopers coordinated search efforts with Coast Guard and Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Service for the missing Coast Guardsman who was reported missing after he did not return as planned to rejoin his friends from a hunting trip 30 miles east of Ketchikan in the vicinity of Wilson Arm Saturday at 1 p.m. Hoag and two others were hunting at an elevation of 2,500 to 3,000 feet and last communicated around 2 p.m. Friday. Several members of the Ketchikan Volunteer Rescue Service were transported by a Temsco helicopter from the Ketchikan area. The Coast Guard Cutter Liberty was diverted from a routine patrol. Once on scene they transported rescue workers to and from the search area as well as conductied comprehensive shore line searches. Hoag was reportedly without signaling devices, sleeping bag or tent and wearing a short sleeve shirt with rain gear. He was also reported to have water and an ample amount of food. The aircraft and ground search parties continued to search Sunday morning. The search area encompassed a four-square-mile area. Weather conditions in the area where Hoag was rescued was a low of 56 degrees and light rain. Hoag was in good condition and arrived in Ketchikan aboard the Liberty.. "The Alaska State Troopers did an excellent job coordinating while rescue teams provided a quick response," said Capt. Melissa Bert, commander Coast Guard Sector Juneau, "My sincerest thanks to everyone involved in the search." The Liberty is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Auke Bay, Alaska. The Naushon is a 110-foot patrol boat homeported in Ketchikan, Alaska Source of News:
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