On May 28th, 2023, at 4:43PM, Alaska State Troopers were notified that a vessel had capsized on Birch Creek, leaving three occupants (one adult male and two minors) stranded and one adult female missing. RCC was contacted and Alaska State Troopers Helo 2 responded. A SuperCub, from the nearby town of Central, flew over the area and was able to locate the three stranded occupants but was unable to land in order to assist. Local search parties also responded and were able to assist the stranded occupants, as well as locate the body of the missing occupant in Birch Creek. The missing occupant was found to be deceased. It is unknown whether the three stranded occupants were injured during the capsizing.

It is believed that the vessel hit a submerged river bank while the operator was attempting to navigate a turn. Upon hitting the river bank, the vessel capsized, ejecting three of the occupants and trapping one underneath.
Birch Creek
Central                       