Snowmachiner rescued

Alaska State Troopers in Bethel received a report of a stranded snow machine operator somewhere near Kongiganak on 4/22/2017 at about 2251 hours. Basil Andrew, age 32 of Chefornak, sunk his snow machine in a lake northeast of Kongiganak and he requested rescue. Conditions at the time were too hazardous to initiate a ground search from nearby villages. Troopers contacted the Rescue Coordination Center on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson and requested the assistance of a U.S. Army National Guard helicopter stationed in Bethel. The National Guard helicopter and crew, along with one trooper, were activated and began searching the area at first light on 4/23/2017. At about 0753 hours, the National Guard helicopter and searchers located Andrew, who was in good condition. The National Guard crew transported Andrew to Bethel, where he declined any medical treatment. The Alaska State Troopers would like to thank the U.S. Army National Guard for their crucial assistance in rescuing Andrew.