Man perishes while water skipping snowmachine

Alaska State Troopers received a report that a snow machine had fallen through the ice, near Shishmaref on June 2, 2021, at approximately 1550 hours. After an investigation, it was determined that 32-year-old Shishmaref resident Bert Iyatunguk was reportedly operating a snow machine with a passenger and attempting to water skip his snowmachine across an open channel of water near Shishmaref Lagoon. The snowmachine sunk in the open water. The passenger was able to swim to shore, but Iyatunguk was not visible in the open water. The Shishmaref VPSO and community members immediately began searching the water and located Iyatunguk in the water at approximately 1635 hours. Lifesaving efforts were made and Iyatunguk was transported to the Shishmaref Clinic where he was pronounced deceased. The remains will be transported to the State Medical Examiner. Next of kin have been notified.