Update (Oct. 13 at 8:45 a.m.)
On Oct. 12, searchers pulled the body of a second man from the Kuskokwim River after a barge collision.
According to Alaska State Troopers, 30-year-old Joseph Martin was recovered after the search. Martin and Henry Alexie, 22, were in a skiff that collided with a 285-foot barge on Oct. 11. Both men are from Atmautluak.
Troopers say that they've notified Martin's next of kin.
Original story
Alaska State Troopers say that a boater died after crashing into a barge while it was being towed by a tugboat. This is the fourth boating fatality in less than two weeks.
According to a trooper dispatch report, on Wednesday, Oct. 11, Henry Alexie of Atmautluak ran into the rear of the 285-foot barge and died as a result. Troopers also reported that crew members of the barge recovered Alexie from the Kuskokwim River and performed CPR, but were unable to revive the 22-year-old.
There may have been a second person on the 14-foot skiff with Alexie, so search and rescue efforts are underway near the village of Oscarville, according to the troopers.
Alexie’s family has been notified, and troopers say that they are still investigating.
