Four-wheeler breakdown strands two near Kotzebue; borough SAR unable to respond

Two people stranded near Coffee Point, down the coast from Kotzebue, on July 4 were retrieved the following morning after Northwest Arctic Borough Search and Rescue could not respond, leaving Alaska State Troopers and two community volunteers to conduct the operation.

Troopers received the call at 9:37 p.m. on July 4. The borough SAR unit was contacted but was unable to respond. On the morning of July 5, Troopers flew the area, located both people and their four-wheeler, and then launched two boats with two local volunteers to retrieve them. Both were uninjured.

Alaska State Troopers are statutorily responsible for leading SAR operations statewide. The Northwest Arctic Borough employs a SAR coordinator based in Kotzebue to serve borough communities.

Lt. Ben Andrews, the statewide SAR coordinator for Troopers, has emphasized that travelers bear primary responsibility for preparation before heading out. Troopers' standing guidance is direct: "If you believe someone is lost, missing, or overdue, do not wait to report it." There is no waiting period to report a missing person in Alaska, and early reports improve SAR effectiveness.