Search underway for missing Wrangell boater

Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard and Wrangell Search and Rescue are searching for an overdue boater in the Wrangell area.

Kenneth Trammel of Wrangell, age 53, left Wrangell Nov. 5 and was scheduled to return Nov. 10. He hasn’t been seen or heard from since Nov. 5, according to a Trooper dispatch.

Kenneth Trammel left on the Thalassa Nov. 5.
Kenneth Trammel left on the Thalassa Nov. 5.

Trammel was heading for the back channel, between Wrangell Island and the mainland, in his white 38-foot Bayliner, the Thalassa.
Troopers reported the overdue boater Monday morning.

Wrangell Search and Rescue conducted an aerial search Sunday.

Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer 1st Class Shawn Eggert says that was unsuccessful, so the Coast Guard started searching Monday morning.

“We have the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Anacapa is involved in the search as well as an MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Sitka.”

They’re searching areas southeast of Wrangell near Berg Bay, Blake Channel and Deer Island.

Search teams are facing snow and low visibility in the area.

Eggert says they’re continuing the search despite the weather.

“I have not heard any word that they are holding off on the search due to weather. We conducted first light searches with both the Anacapa and the MH-60 helicopter crew this morning, and the search for Mr. Trammel is ongoing.”

Anyone with information about Trammel’s location can call the Alaska State Troopers at 225-5118.

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