Two Alaska fishermen were rescued by the US Coast Guard on Wednesday (Jan. 15) after their 58-foot longliner capsized about 23 miles southeast of Kodiak Island, authorities said.

Watchstanders at the 17th Coast Guard District Command Center received a distress alert at 9:48 am Wednesday from the fishing vessel Tanusha's emergency position-indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) as the vessel was taking on water and abandoned.

A US Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew hoists two Alaska fishermen with the help of the fishing tender Victory on Jan. 15, 2025. (Image courtesy of US Coast Guard)

"The use of a functioning and properly registered EPIRB means quite literally the difference between life and death," Coast Guard petty officer Sean Streyle said in a media release. "In this case, it was our only notification that the crew of Tanusha needed assistance."

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Kodiak was dispatched to pluck the two crew members from an emergency raft in the water.

Both of the Tanusha's crew members -- who weren't named -- are reportedly in stable condition although one had signs of hypothermia and a head injury, the statement said.  

The rescue was aided by Alaska State Troopers and the fishing tender Victory which received a request for assistance from the Coast Guard and headed for the Tanusha's last known location.

The crew of the 115-foot Victory located the capsized vessel and two fishermen in a life raft and stayed with them until rescuers were able to hoist them into the helicopter and fly them to safety.