Full Breakdown
U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk Helicopter Crashes Near Sitka, Alaska
6/23/2026, 1:17:39 AM
Incident Overview
On Monday, June 22, 2026, a U.S. Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter assigned to the Arctic District crashed near Sitka, Alaska. The aircraft, operating from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, carried four crew members. Sitka Fire and Rescue transported all four crew members to a local hospital.
Key Figures & Groups
The response was coordinated by the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, headquartered in Juneau, and its public-affairs officer Lt. Pam Manns. Local emergency services were provided by Sitka Fire and Rescue. The helicopter was part of the district’s fleet of MH-60 Jayhawks, the primary search-and-rescue platform for Alaska’s maritime and polar waters.
Timeline & Response
- 10:07 a.m. AK time: Arctic District command center received the crash report.
- ~10:45 a.m.: Sitka Fire and Rescue dispatched to the site.
- 11:00 a.m.: Rescue crews arrived, extracted the crew, and moved them to the hospital.
The Coast Guard confirmed a formal investigation will determine the cause.
Context & Statistics
The Arctic District covers roughly 4 million sq mi of Alaskan maritime and polar waters and 47,000 mi of shoreline. In a typical month the district “saves 22 lives; assists 53 people; investigates 25 marine casualties; performs 74 living-resource boardings; responds to 22 pollution incidents; services 93 buoys; conducts 13 security boardings and 22 patrols.” The MH-60 Jayhawk normally operates with a four-person crew.
Official Statements & Responses
The Coast Guard said the safety, well-being, and rescue of its crew members is its “absolute, immediate priority.” It added that the cause of the crash is unknown and that a formal investigation will determine the circumstances. The service emphasized its commitment to rapid medical care and coordination with local responders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The safety, well-being, and rescue of our crew members Is our absolute, immediate priority.” — U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District
- “Rescue crews from Sitka Fire and Rescue arrived on scene at approximately 11:00 a.m. and transported all four crew members to the local hospital,” — Lt. Pam Manns, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District
- “The cause of the incident is not yet known. A formal investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the event.” — U.S. Coast Guard statement
- “First responders and search and rescue assets are currently responding.” — U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Early coverage differed on the number of occupants and the precise crash site; some outlets did not state a crew count, while others confirmed four. The health status of the crew beyond hospital transport was not released. No cause has been identified, and exact coordinates remain unverified.
What’s Next
The Coast Guard’s Aviation Investigation Board will conduct a full inquiry, with findings expected in the coming weeks. Updates will be issued as additional information becomes available.
