Park helicopter responds to capsized boat

The Denali Park rescue helicopter that normally sits in Talkeetna during climbing season was part of a rescue near the northwestern Denali Park boundary last week.  Three people, David Watts, 62 and Pam Rothwell, 50, both of Fairbanks and Marv Page, 63, of Anchorage, were in a boat on the way from Manley Hot Springs to Lake Minchumina, traveling via the Tanana River to the Muddy River.

The group mistook Birch Creek for the Muddy River.  Their boat capsized and although the 3 friends reached the shore safely, they lost most of their belongings and food.

They used a satellite phone to contact a relative, who then contacted State Troopers.  Troopers contacted Denali Park for assistance.  The group was flown to safety via the Parks AStar B3 helicopter.

The boat, equipped with an Evinrude engine remains submerged .  It is hoped that there will be a recovery later in the summer when water levels drop.