Coast Guard suspends search of waters outside Whittier after locating owner of empty boat found drifting in Prince William Sound

Update, 3:08 p.m. Monday: The Coast Guard says it has located the owner of the small boat found adrift Monday near Whittier, and that no on was in distress. "We understand that accidents happen and appreciate the owner of the boat coming forward and letting us know that his boat drifted away,” said Mike McNeil, command duty officer for the case. “Folks are reminded to double check that their boats are secure when not in use.”

Original story:

A small boat found adrift and without people aboard has prompted a Coast Guard search in the waters outside Whittier on Monday.

The 10-foot, blue and gray Zodiac was found with oars and fishing gear aboard including cat food, potentially used for shrimp bait. The boat has no motor or identifying numbers on the hull. It was reported adrift at 7:30 a.m.

The Coast Guard launched an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Kodiak, the agency said in a statement. A response boat crew from the Coast Guard’s Valdez station and an auxiliary crew out of Whittier are also involved in the search.

The Coast Guard has not received a distress call or confirmation that people have gone missing, the agency said. It’s asking for any information people may have about the vessel.

“We’re responding as though there is a person or people in the water who fell out of this boat and need our help,” said Mike McNeil, command duty officer at the agency’s Anchorage sector. “Anyone with information about this boat, please contact the Coast Guard Sector Anchorage command center immediately at 907-428-4100.”