Anchorage

Remains of missing kayaker found floating in Cook Inlet

The remains of a 55-year-old Anchorage man who went missing in his kayak this week were discovered Friday morning, U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer Shawn Eggert said.

A tugboat crew early Friday spotted Bruce Gronewald's bright yellow kayak near the community of Tyonek on the western shore of Cook Inlet, about 43 miles from Anchorage. The tugboat wasn't able to get close enough for the crew to see into the boat, but a good Samaritan vessel nearby responded and discovered Gronewald's body, Eggert said.

The vessel's crew was able to immediately recover the kayak and Gronewald's body. An Anchorage Fire Department boat crew was on its way to meet the vessel and take possession of both.

Gronewald went missing Monday night. Earlier that day, he had called 911 and asked for immediate help because his canoe was sinking in Knik Arm with himself and two dogs on board. He told emergency responders he had a life vest with him, but when he was rescued by a floatplane pilot from Rust's Flying Service, he was clinging to his boat and said his life preserver had floated away.

The pilot flew Gronewald and the dogs to Lake Hood in Anchorage, where they were met by emergency responders. But before the day was over, Gronewald was headed back into the swift tidal waters of Knik Arm in his kayak.

"Based on the report we received from his family, Mr. Gronewald had discussed going out to anchor his canoe from the original rescue," Eggert said.

Gronewald's sister reported him missing Tuesday morning. He was last seen wearing a blue life jacket over a black jacket.

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Rescuers searched for Gronewald until Wednesday. They located his canoe, but a multiagency search-and-rescue operation was unable to locate Gronewald or his kayak.

Gronewald's next of kin have been notified.

Megan Edge

Megan Edge is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News.

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