Boaters Rescue 3 Men From Kachemak Bay After Skiff Capsizes

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Boaters rescued three men from the waters of Kachemak Bay after their skiff capsized Saturday afternoon, according to Alaska State Troopers.

A Monday AST dispatch says Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Homer and NOAA Fisheries officers were conducting a joint enforcement operation at the Homer harbor when they received a report on the incident, about three miles southwest of the Homer Spit, from caller Bonnie Porter shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

In addition to troopers and officials aboard the patrol vessel Augustine, three other boats responded to the scene: one operated by Porter and her husband Jack Porter, a University of Alaska Fairbanks research boat operated by Hans Pederson, and the fishing vessel Elma J.

“As Troopers continued to respond, the Good Samaritans were able to load all three individuals into the (Porters’) vessel,” troopers wrote. “They were then transferred to the UAF vessel for transport to shore.”

After arriving in Homer, the three rescued men -- 60-year-old Keith Hediger of Homer, his son 26-year-old Adam Hediger of New Jersey, and 64-year-old Michael Huff of Ninilchik -- were treated and released at Central Peninsula Hospital for moderate to severe hypothermia. All three were wearing life jackets, and were estimated to have spent 25 to 30 minutes in the water.

Officials extended their gratitude to the good Samaritans in the incident, who provided life-saving aid.

“Troopers would like to credit the crews of the three vessels that immediately responded, as well as Jack and Bonnie Porter, who witnessed and reported the incident,” troopers wrote. “Without their quick action this incident would have likely been fatal.”