The U.S. Coast Guard recently concluded its investigation into a tragic incident involving a fishing charter boat that capsized off an island in southeast Alaska last May, resulting in the deaths of five people, including two vacationing sisters and their partners. The boat, named Awakin, likely capsized after its well deck flooded in rough seas, leaving limited survival options for those on board. The vessel was not required to carry an emergency raft and had minimal provisions for draining water from the well deck, which ultimately impacted its stability.
During a town hall-style presentation in Sitka, the Coast Guard shared its findings with more than 100 attendees, shedding light on what led to the Awakin’s capsizing. The lead investigator, Cmdr. Nate Menefee, stated that the initiating event of the casualty was a sudden flooding of the well deck by a large swell, exacerbated by the vessel’s positioning near Low Island in shallow water and at low tide. The navigation of the Awakin in this hazardous area increased the likelihood of encountering large swells and breaking surf, ultimately leading to the tragic incident.
The final moments leading up to the capsizing remain uncertain, with no witnesses or distress calls received by the Coast Guard. The boat’s tracking system recorded its last known location just south of Low Island near a popular fishing spot, with one of the passengers attempting unsuccessfully to make emergency calls on their cellphone. Recovered text messages and photos taken right before the incident offer a glimpse into the harrowing ordeal faced by those on board, highlighting the urgency and desperation of the situation unfolding.
The investigation revealed that the lodge where the charter originated reported the boat overdue hours later, prompting a Coast Guard response around 6:55 p.m. A helicopter was dispatched to search for the missing boat, which was ultimately located partially submerged. Despite efforts to maintain a 30-minute readiness for launching a helicopter, delays due to fueling issues hindered the immediate response to the distress call, ultimately impacting the outcome of the search and rescue operation.
The tragic incident claimed the lives of charter guide Morgan Robidou, Brandi Tyau, Robert Solis, Danielle Agcaoili, and Maury Agcaolli. Autopsies confirmed that drowning was the cause of death for the four victims whose bodies were recovered, pointing to the challenges and dangers faced by individuals when boating in rough waters. The findings underscore the importance of adhering to safety protocols, equipment requirements, and proper navigation practices to prevent similar accidents and ensure the well-being of those out at sea. The Coast Guard’s thorough investigation aims to improve safety measures and raise awareness of the risks associated with maritime activities.
