3 Dead, Including Hawaii Couple, 2 Remain Missing After Boat Found Partially Submerged in Alaska

Photo:Getty Images

Getty Images

Three people died, including a couple from Hawaii, and two others remain missing after their fishing boat sank in rough waters off Alaska on Sunday.

Two sisters, Danielle Agcaoili and Brandi Tyau, as well as their partners, Maury Agcaoili and Robert Solis, were on the charter vessel, which was last seen earlier that day near Sitka, according to theAssociated Press. Also onboard was the boat’s captain, Morgan Robidou.

The sisters’ parents and brother were also out on the water that day, but on a separate vessel, which returned safely to port, Solis' brother told the AP.

That evening, the boat was found partially submerged off Low Island, about 10 miles away from Sitka, per the Coast Guard.

The following night, Coast Guard officialscalled off the searchfor the remaining four individuals.

In an update on Wednesday, Alaska Troopers announced they had recovered two bodies, believed to be Danielle, 53, and her sister, Tyau, 56, of Canoga Park, California, from the sunken vessel. “The bodies are being transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for examination and positive identification,” police said.Solis, 61, and Robidou, 32, of Sitka, remain missing. Vessel recovery operations are ongoing.

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The region where the boat was located on Sunday had been experiencing rough waters, with 6- to 11-foot waves, but was not under an advisory, according to Hawaii News Now.

“Suspending a search is never an easy decision,” said Capt. Darwin Jensen, with the Port Southeast Alaska. “We extend our deepest sympathy to the loved ones during this difficult time. Our sincere thanks to community partners and the good Samaritan vessels who rapidly responded to help in the search.”

“We are fully cooperating with the U.S. Coast Guard in its investigation of this tragic event and hope that it furnishes answers to the questions as to how it occurred,” the company added.

In a statement released on behalf of the Agcaoilis, their family shared they appreciate “all of the kind words and condolences during this difficult time,” according to Hawaii News Now.

“Family and friends will remember them as loving and encouraging parents,” the statement read. “We ask that people respect the families privacy as they continue to grieve.”

source: people.com