Body of missing man found off Western Alaska coast
Search efforts for other missing fisherman has been suspended
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - The body of one of two men who went missing after a boat sank off the coast of a Western Alaska island was recovered, according to authorities.
According to an Alaska State Troopers report, a small group of individuals found the body of 65-year-old Albert Williams, roughly 20 miles from Mekoryuk on Wednesday.
The group made contact with authorities and plans to transport Williams’ remains to Mekoryuk once ocean conditions allow it.
The search for the other missing man, 72-year-old Samuel Shavings, was suspended after extensive search efforts were made by boat and air, according to AST.
A Bethel-based National Guard helicopter and a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 out of Kodiak were sent to the area to assist in the search on Wednesday.
Williams’ daughter, Dallas, spoke with Alaska’s News Source, saying they are grateful to have closure.
“Even though it’s not the outcome that we wanted. We are very grateful to have closure, but we’re still praying because Sam Shavings was my dad’s best friend. They did everything together,” Dallas said.
She told Alaska’s News Source that her father and 19-year-old brother were out subsistence fishing with Shavings, their neighbor. Her brother survived the boat sinking.
Representative Nellie Unangiq Jimmie posted on social media that she is grieving with the families.
“Our hearts are with the community of Mekoryuk as we mourn the loss of our elders, Albert Williams and Samuel Shavings, who went missing after their skiff sank near the island this weekend. Both were deeply loved — family men, hunters, and friends whose presence anchored many. Their absence leaves a silence we feel across our region," Jimmie wrote.
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