Coast Guard suspends search for possible person in water near Dutch Harbor, Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard has suspended its search Thursday for a possible person in the water near Dutch Harbor.

Still missing is 33-year-old Steven Mencer, last seen wearing a neon green pullover rain jacket with orange and black pants.

Coast Guard boat and aircrews searched a total of 63 square miles for Mencer over approximately 7.4 hours.

“After an exhaustive effort today, we suspended our search for Mr. Mencer at 8:20 p.m.,” said Lt. Danny Piazza, the 17th District command duty officer at the time of suspension. “Despite our best efforts, we were already at a disadvantage due to the water temperature and reports that Mr. Mencer was not wearing a PFD. Our thoughts are with Mr. Mencer’s family and friends.”

Mencer was reported missing at approximately 8:25 a.m. when he failed to report to crew check-in after the boat he worked on, the 164-foot fishing vessel Alaska Mist, moored at the Coastal Transportation Northern Dock in Dutch Harbor. Mencer was last seen at sea aboard the vessel approximately 45 minutes prior to being reported missing.

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
Office: (907) 428-4140
After Hours: (907) 227-9248
17th District online newsroom

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Coast Guard searching for possible person in water near Dutch Harbor, Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — The Coast Guard is searching for a possible person in the water near Dutch Harbor Alaska, Thursday.

Missing is 33-year-old Steven Mencer, last seen wearing a neon green pullover rain jacket with orange and black pants.

Mencer was reported missing after failing to report to crew check-in while the Alaska Mist, a 164-foot fishing vessel, was moored at Coastal Transportation Northern Dock, Thursday.

Searching for him are a MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak and fishing vessel Alaska Mist. Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley was diverted from a mission and is also searching with their helicopter and small boat crews.

Watchstanders at the 17th District command center in Juneau received notification from the master of Alaska Mist at 8:28 a.m., Thursday.

Watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of aircrews from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak.

Weather on scene is 21 mph winds with gusts up to 30 mph, two foot seas with 12 mile visibility.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the 17th District command center at (907) 463-2000.

-USCG-