At 1421 hours on May 22, 2010, operator, 60, of Eagle River called 911 requesting assistance. Operator had been kayaking in the Narrow Strait near Spruce Island when his kayak overturned. Operator was unable to get back into his kayak and was unable to make it to shore. Operator was unprepared for immersion in 40 degree water, but had on a personal flotation device and was able to use his cell phone to call 911. Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted an emergency response in patrol vessel P/V Ethics from Kodiak Harbor. Alaska State Troopers and Alaska State Parks Rangers responded to Miller Point Battery at Fort Abercrombie to direct P/V Ethics to Operator. P/V Ethics arrived on scene at 1619 hours and rescued Operator. AWT transported Operator to Kodiak where he was being treated at Providence Kodiak Island Medical Center for hypothermia as of 1700 hours. USCG was notified and made several radio emergency calls for help and prepared a USCG HH-60 for launch. Two off duty AWT troopers were fishing in the area and responded to the mayday radio calls from the USCG. Operator's wearing a PFD was a key factor in this successful SAR.
Kodiak                        