Wrangell man dies when boat hits rocks in shallow water

WRANGELL, Alaska – A Wrangell man died after his boat crashed into rocks in shallow water, Alaska State Troopers said.

The body of Randall Ferdinand, 53, was recovered Monday.

Troopers in Ketchikan on Sunday afternoon received a report of an overturned boat 12 miles (19 kilometres) southwest of Wrangell.

Wrangell Search and Rescue reached the scene within an hour after the call and found a 32-foot vessel (9.75-meter) listed on its side and aground.

At low tide early Monday morning, the volunteers and wildlife troopers were able to reach Ferdinand’s body.

The accident occurred as Ferdinand attempted to navigate during a storm, troopers said.

An autopsy will be conducted by the state medical examiner.