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Coast Guard Searches For Missing Fisherman Near Dutch Harbor

Hope McKenney/KUCB

The U.S. Coast Guard is searching for a fisherman who went missing on Thursday morning in Unalaska.

33-year-old Steven 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.  

Melissa McKenzie, a Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist, said Mencer was last seen wearing a neon green pullover rain jacket with orange and black pants.

"The Coast Guard is currently searching for a possible person in the water near Dutch Harbor," said McKenzie. "The watch standers at 17th District Command Center in Juneau received the initial notification from the master of the Alaska Mist around 8:28 this morning. And immediately following that, they issued an urgent marine information broadcast and directed the launch of aircrews from Air Station Kodiak."

According to McKenzie, the vessel master said Mencer was seen approximately 45 minutes before crew muster, and that searchers are operating under the assumption that he went into the water.

A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and an HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Coast Guard Air Station Kodiak, as well as the crew of the F/V Alaska Mist, are currently searching for Mencer. The Coast Guard Cutter Alex Haley was diverted from a mission and is also searching with their helicopter and small boat crews.

McKenzie said there is currently no timeline for how long the search effort will continue.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Hope McKenney is a public radio news director, reporter, producer and host based in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska.
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