A lieutenant was temporarily relieved of his duties Monday as commander of a Coast Guard cutter in Southeast Alaska after an unspecified incident that led to a loss of confidence in him, the Coast Guard said.

Lt. Matthias Wholley was commander of the Cutter Anacapa, a 110-foot patrol boat based in Petersburg. He has been temporarily reassigned to Juneau.

Something happened on Monday that caused Rear Adm. Thomas Ostebo, commander of the Coast Guard in Alaska, and Capt. Melissa Bert, who heads the Juneau-based Southeast Alaska office, to strip him of his commanding officer duties.

Chief Petty Officer Dana Warr said Monday evening the matter is under investigation and he couldn't provide details on what happened, other than to say it did not involve a mishap at sea. More information may be available in a week or two, he said.

A decision on a permanent removal or resumption of command is made by the commandant of the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C.

Lt. j.g. James Toomey, executive officer of the Anacapa, has assumed temporary command of the cutter.

Reach Lisa Demer at ldemer@adn.com or 257-4390.