Rough weather in Prince William Sound is complicating the search for three hunters who have not been heard from since Friday afternoon, said Jon-Paul Rios, U.S. Coast Guard spokesman.
"We searched throughout the night, " said Jon-Paul Rios, U.S. Coast Guard spokesman. "Weather is making it harder on our boat crew."
The hunters contacted a family member Friday afternoon to say they were on their way back from Montague Island in the Gulf of Alaska at the entry of Prince William Sound. They were traveling in a 20-foot Duckworth jet boat. The engine wasn't working, so they were relying on "a kicker," or small outboard motor, Rios said. At most, it can travel 15 miles per hour, he said.
"It's not the most favorable engine to have," he said.
There is a gale warning in effect for the area Sunday with winds of 35 knots and seas at 9 feet and a snow storm expected, according to the National Weather Service.
[Coast Guard searches for 3 men overdue in small boat near Whittier]