On October 11, 2023, at 4:40PM, Alaska State Troopers were notified of a watercraft collision on the Kuskokwim River near the village of Oscarville. Investigation determined that a 285-foot barge was being towed by a 119-foot tugboat when a 14-foot skiff ran into the rear of the barge. 

The operator was recovered from the water and life-saving measures were attempted but unsuccessful. The operator was declared deceased on scene. There was believed to be a second occupant on the skiff, but they were not located immediately after the incident. Search and rescue efforts continued searching the river for the second occupant. 

On October 12, 2023, at 5:45PM, volunteer SAR personnel recovered the body of the second occupant. 

(description adapted from AST dispatch report)

Kuskokwim River
Oscarville                    