Alaska News

Coast Guard rescues 2 from downed helicopter on Unalaska Island

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two people from a helicopter that crashed near Dutch Harbor Airport on Unalaska Island Friday afternoon.

Rescuers were able to recover the two survivors, the only two aboard the downed aircraft, despite heavy snow and low visibility.

"The conditions elevated the difficulty, but the crew is well trained and prepared," said Coast Guard Petty Officer 1st Class Bill Colclough.

Personnel at the 17th Coast Guard District Command Center in Juneau got a transmission from a Robinson R22 helicopter Friday. The beacon placed the helicopter about 9 miles southwest of the airport in the Aleutian Chain, according to the Coast Guard.

"The beacon plotted in mountainous terrain," the Coast Guard said in a statement.

A rescue helicopter launched from the Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley, and its crew located the two survivors reported to have "minor cuts and bruises," the statement says.

The survivors were flown to a medical clinic in Dutch Harbor.

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The condition of the Robinson and whether it was left on scene is unknown, said Colclough.

The Coast Guard says the Robinson helicopter entered whiteout conditions and then crashed.

Weather at the scene of the crash was heavy snow with less than 1 mile of visibility and 9 mph winds.

Jerzy Shedlock

Jerzy Shedlock is a former reporter for Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2017.

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