Tuntutuliak, Alaska – A group of stranded boaters was rescued this week near Tuntutuliak after being caught in dangerous weather and rising water, prompting a dramatic airlift by Alaska State Troopers and the Alaska National Guard.
According to a social media update by the Alaska State Troopers, poor weather conditions had prevented a local search and rescue group from reaching the boaters. In response, a Bethel-based helicopter crew from the Alaska National Guard was deployed and successfully located the group.
Images shared by authorities show Guardsmen and Troopers wading through waist-deep water to reach the individuals before guiding them to safety and boarding them onto the helicopter. The boaters were transported to a nearby hospital and treated for hypothermia. Officials confirmed that everyone involved survived the ordeal.
The boaters, seen wrapped in blankets in one photo following the rescue, were reportedly stranded in challenging conditions for an extended period. The exact duration of their stranding has not been released.
Alaska State Troopers credited the teamwork between their agency and the National Guard for the successful operation, emphasizing the critical role of air support in remote and rugged regions where ground access is often impossible due to terrain or weather.
Tuntutuliak is located in a remote portion of western Alaska, where unpredictable river conditions and limited infrastructure can complicate search and rescue efforts.
Authorities have not released the identities of those rescued but are reminding the public to monitor weather updates and travel with communication devices when navigating rural areas.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
Follow us on Instagram & Facebook for more relevant news stories and SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT NEWS! Have a tip? Message us!
