The Coast Guard rescued two men and a pet dog from two 39-foot vessels that had lashed together in Gem Cove, 23 miles east of Ketchikan.
The Canadian command center in Prince Rupert, British Columbia first notified the Coast Guard. The two men aboard the vessels had reported they were taking on water in Gem Cove.
"These men made the right decision and contacted the Coast Guard when their situation began to deteriorate," said Petty Officer 1st Class Christopher Harkins, a watchstander at the Sector Juneau command center.
The Coast Guard launched the Station Ketchikan Motor Life Boat (MLB) crew to respond, but the crew was unable to float alongside the vessels due to on-scene conditions and shallow water depth. A Station Ketchikan 25-foot Response Boat-Small (RBS) crew was sent to assist.
The RBS was able to get alongside the vessels and transfer the two people and the dog onto the MLB and transported to safety.
Officials report that one of the men aboard the vessels began exhibiting heart attack symptoms. The two men were taken to Herring Bay and transferred to emergency medical services.
The Coast Guard recommends all mariners file a float plan with friends or relatives; check the weather; and carry communication devices, life jackets, and emergency supplies aboard their vessel before leaving port.
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