US Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Hunters After Their Boats Become Trapped in Ice

— -- The U.S. Coast Guard rescued six walrus hunters early Wednesday morning approximately 122 miles north of Nome, Alaska.

Dramatic video, released by the Coast Guard, shows an Air Station Kodiak MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew hoisting three distressed hunters from their boat surrounded by ice.

Three other hunters were later rescued from land.

In a press release, the Coast Guard said that Alaska State Troopers contacted the Coast Guard’s 17th District on Tuesday after receiving word that the two boats were trapped in ice and the hunters had lost communication.

“This case highlights the importance of filing a float plan in case communications fail,” said Adam Derocher, watchstander at the 17th District, in the press release. “Because their general area was known, we were able to team up with the Alaska State Troopers and send HC-130 Hercules and MH-60 Jayhawk crews to locate the boaters and conduct the rescue.”

The Coast Guard reported that weather in the area during the rescue had 10 mile visibility and 9 mph winds with a temperature of 34 degrees.

Walrus hunting is considered "subsistence hunting" by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, defined under state law as “noncommercial customary and traditional uses” of fish and wildlife.

Under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, only Alaska Natives who live on the coast of the North Pacific Ocean or the Arctic Ocean may harvest marine mammals, like walruses, for subsistence purposes, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.