The Coast Guard is searching for two hunters overdue from a trip to an island near Kenai, which they had visited by skiff earlier this week.
In a Thursday statement, the Coast Guard says the hunters left Kenai for Kalgin Island in a 21-foot skiff Tuesday and were expected back Wednesday night. Family members reported them overdue Thursday morning.
Coast Guard spokesperson Petty Officer 1st Class Sara Mooers says it's not clear whether the hunters had communications gear or any kind of emergency locators, but that they were prepared for their trip.
"We received the report that they had taken equipment to stay overnight," Mooers said.
A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter has been sent to the area to look for the hunters.
"Our primary concern is locating the missing individuals," Steve Garcia, a search and rescue controller with the Sector Anchorage command center, said in the Coast Guard statement. "We request that anyone with information that may assist searchers to locate these hunters contact the Sector Anchorage command center at 907-271-6769."
According to Mooers, search efforts are focusing on the route the hunters planned to take from Kalgin Island to Kenai and back.
The Coast Guard says weather reports list winds in the search area from 12 to 23 mph, with seas from 2 to 4 feet. Skies are overcast, with visibility at about 3 miles.
Contact Chris Klint