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Rescue teams, including Girdwood Rescue 42, Utility 41, and Medic 41, responded to reports of a vehicle sinking on the Seward Highway in Alaska, only to discover a fully loaded semi-truck gradually submerging in the frigid waters of Turnagain Arm, which flows into the Gulf of Alaska. The driver remained trapped inside the cab when rescuers tossed him a throw bag, allowing him to reach safety. He was subsequently transported to the hospital but, fortunately, is doing well.
The circumstances leading to the semi-truck’s departure from the highway remain unclear, but weather conditions and poor visibility likely played a significant role. Girdwood Fire and Rescue noted that the rain was driving horizontally at the time, creating hazardous driving conditions. Additionally, a lack of guardrails in that section of the highway due to ongoing construction may have contributed to the incident. Given that the temperature in Turnagain Arm typically ranges from 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the incident occurred at night during a rainstorm, the driver is fortunate to have survived.
Once the driver was safely out of the truck and taken to the hospital, efforts to recover the vehicle were ongoing. The recovery operation required significant equipment and the determination of the team, as the semi-truck had been submerged in icy waters for nearly 20 hours. Vulcan Towing & Recovery successfully extracted the truck with the aid of two tow trucks. Upon recovery, the vehicle was found with its hood missing and the windshield shattered, a troubling sight considering the driver was inside when the icy water began to fill the cab.
Given the frightening nature of the incident, the outcome was remarkably fortunate. An out-of-control semi-truck could have caused widespread damage in dark and rainy weather. Thankfully, no other vehicles or individuals were involved. Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation spokesperson Kelly Rawalt confirmed that the truck was only carrying empty fish totes at the time, as noted by Alaska Public Media. Additionally, there were no leaks of fuel, oil, or coolant into the water.
The driver received commendation for how well he managed the situation as the truck veered off course. Girdwood Fire and Rescue Chief Michelle Weston remarked, “He did an amazing job keeping the wheels up, keeping the wheels on the ground,” as reported by the Anchorage Daily News. “It could have gone a totally different way.” Weston also noted that this was the first time she had encountered a semi-truck entering the water.
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