Fisherman rescues disabled mining dredge
Around 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 1, Nome Volunteer Fire Department was notified by the State Troopers of an inReach SOS call from a vessel four miles off the coast of Nome. There were three people on board the offshore mining dredge, and they were having trouble with their outboard engine. The mining dredge is owned by Iskander Garifullin.
According to Fire Chief Jim West Jr., Nome SAR enlisted the help of fisherman Phil Pryzmont who was returning from a fishing voyage and was six miles out from port. Pryzmont was able to find the distressed vessel. Securing a line to pull them back to Nome, he was able to bring them home just two hours after the SOS went out. No injuries were reported.
The NVFD does have a boat but didn’t have enough people ready in time. At least three people are needed in such operations. The department also contacted NSEDC, which put a boat on standby in the event that Pryzmont couldn’t find the miners or needed help.
Tyler Rhodes, Chief Operating Officer at NSEDC, said that they receive a request or two every year, and while they might have larger boats than the fire department, “whether or not we are able to assist is a decision made on a case-by-case basis, recognizing that our experience and expertise is in fish tendering and not search and rescue operations.”
West Jr. thanked Pryzmont for his efforts, saying he went “above and beyond the call of duty.”
West also advised, as the boating season kicks off, that people be prepared. He encouraged having a radio communication device or SOS beacon in the event of emergency.