KODIAK, Alaska, May 27 (UPI) -- The U.S. Coast Guard is crediting good Samaritans with helping rescue four missing boaters found sitting atop the hull of their overturned 22-foot watercraft.
The fishing vessel Morgan rescued the distressed occupants of the personal watercraft, the Energizer, Saturday near Yakutat Bay, the Coast Guard said in a release on its website.
The rescued boaters were transported to Yakutat for transfer to medical facilities to be checked out.
The Coast Guard had received a report Friday evening of the 22-foot personal watercraft having failed to arrive by the time stated on the boaters' float plan.
"This is a perfect example of how float plans and mariners listening to urgent marine broadcasts can saves lives," said Scott Giard, command duty officer for the Coast Guard's Sector Juneau. "Filing a well-documented plan with a reliable person will greatly aid in the search in the event a boater doesn't arrive in port as intended."
