(DCWatchdog.com) – In a harrowing incident, a “beloved” Texas family is feared dead after the boat they were on capsized and sank into 51-degree water off the remote Alaskan coast.
The U.S. Coast Guard received a report about a 28-foot aluminum vessel carrying eight people around 7 p.m. Saturday. According to a local media outlet, the vessel had sent out a distress call, saying it was taking on water and needed to be rescued.
Branch spokesman Travis Magee said that the Coast Guard quickly sent a radio broadcast to nearby ships for help about 16 miles off the coast of Homer, Alaska.
Magee stated that the ship Salty Sea responded to the call before rescue personnel reached the sinking vessel. While they saved four people stranded on a life raft in the frigid water, the four are expected to be okay and were not injured.
However, Mary and David Maynard and their two young sons, 11-year-old Colton and 7-year-old Brantley, are still missing.
Family friend Stetson Chase posted a statement on Facebook on behalf of Mary Maynard’s parents, confirming the Troy, Texas, family was on board when the ship sank and has not been found.
“Mary, her husband, and 2 sons were lost at sea last night in Alaska after their vessel capsized,” Stetson wrote. “I can vouch for many that they were a wonderful, caring, and loving family that deserves to be brought home.”
Furthermore, the Coast Guard immediately launched a search and rescue for the missing family in the area where the boat sank, using a helicopter, plane, cutter, and two other vessels, with help from Alaska wildlife troopers.
“Any time we make a decision to suspend a search and rescue case is a very difficult one to make,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Shannon Kerney claimed. “Cases that are suspended, they’re only suspended pending the development of new information.”
He added, “If anything comes to light, any new information that we get, we’re more than happy and willing to go out and continue our search. Our hearts are definitely with the families right now as they grieve.”
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