Coast Guard experiencing VHF-FM outages in southeast Alaska

The following is text of a news release from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(JUNEAU, Alaska) — Coast Guard Sector Juneau personnel are experiencing multiple VHF-FM radio outages throughout southeast Alaska and may not be able to hear or respond to distress calls on Channel 16.

Currently, waterways affected by Coast Guard VHF-FM radio site outages include the Gulf of Alaska between Yakutat and Sitka, Cross Sound, Peril Strait, Hoonah Sound, Southern Chatham Strait, Sumner Strait, the waters surrounding Zarembo Island and the west side of Prince of Wales Island. 

All mariners transiting these waterways should remain vigilant and have another means of emergency communication such as:

• Cellphone, when in range
• Satellite phone
• High frequency radio communications on 4,125 kHz, 6,215 kHz and 8,291 kHz
• EPIRBs/personal locating beacons 
• Satellite messengers

You can contact the Sector Juneau Command Center at (907) 463-2980.

By Professional Mariner Staff