The ships were enduring waves of 27 to 31 feet, winds of more than 55 mph and gusts up to 100 mph while sailing along what's called the great circle route north of the Aleutian Islands on Tuesday.
The five ships range from 500 to more than 1,000 feet in length, and their requests for shelter came Friday through the weekend. Two of them sought shelter off of Attu Island, two off Atka Island and one off Adak Island, the Coast Guard said.
The Coast Guard said it has granted 10 "storm avoidance" requests since October.
"Having five vessels seek shelter at the same time is unusual," said Capt. Adam Shaw.
The Coast Guard has granted 10 "storm avoidance" requests since October.
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