5 missing in Alaska after fishing boat capsizes (Coast Guard)

Five people are missing after a fishing boat capsized near Couverden Point, Alaska, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The 50-foot fishing boat made a distress call at 12:10 a.m. Sunday, the coast guard said.

AMHS Hubbard heard the broadcast and offered to help, arriving first on the scene.

Evidence of the fishing boat was found indicating a capsize, the coast guard said, but there has yet been no sign of those on board.

The good Samaritans who operate the ferry continued to assist the Coast Guard in its search efforts.

The Coast Guard said it also received an emergency position radio beacon alert that was recorded on the vessel. The signal originated just south of Point Couverden, in Icy Sound.

People close to those on board told authorities there were five people on the ship. That figure is unconfirmed and could change, officials noted.

Searches are currently underway amid heavy snowfall and strong winds.

It includes maritime and air missions, the latter of which is led by a helicopter search team.

Winds can reach 60 mph in the area, while swells reached 6 feet.

The Coast Guard said it was conducting its search under “very difficult conditions.” However, there is no indication yet when the searches might be called off or concluded.