Ketchikan barge incident: Two crew members killed and two injured aboard Waynehoe as Coast Guard investigates

As of March 19, 2026, the Ketchikan barge incident is under federal investigation after two crew members died and two others were injured in a confined-space emergency aboard the freight barge Waynehoe on Sunday morning. The barge was moored roughly 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Ketchikan when the incident occurred, officials said.

Crew from the tug Chukchi Sea reported losing contact with four people inside a confined compartment and alerted the Coast Guard. Shipmates were able to pull one deceased crew member from the space and assisted two survivors to safety before the Coast Guard response team arrived. The second body was recovered only after the barge was towed to a pier in Ketchikan to allow a safe, thorough response. The two injured crew members were reported in stable condition. The fatalities have been identified as Ben Fowler and Sidney Mohorovich.

The Coast Guard said the event is being treated as a confined-space incident; federal guidance notes such spaces can present hazards including limited access and potential oxygen deficiency. Sector Southeast Alaska Commander Capt. Stanley Fields extended condolences to the families and colleagues of those affected and emphasized that confined spaces on vessels can contain invisible dangers. Authorities provided limited details and said the inquiry remains active.