Wrangell resident found deceased in overturned vessel southwest of Wrangell

Randall Ferdinand, 53, of Wrangell, passed away at sea last Sunday. A dispatch from the Alaska State Troopers reports that they received a report of an overturned vessel about 12 miles southwest of Wrangell the afternoon of Feb. 16. Wrangell Search and Rescue and the Coast Guard went to investigate and the vessel in question was located around 3 p.m. The 32-foot vessel had struck some rocks in shallow water. Wrangell Search and Rescue and Wildlife Troopers from Ketchikan remained on scene overnight, waiting for low tide when the remains of the deceased could be removed from the vessel. It was confirmed to be Ferdinand on Feb. 17.

"Further investigation revealed that Ferdinand was attempting to navigate his vessel during a storm at sea which resulted in the vessel crashing into rocks in shallow water," the dispatch reads. "No foul play is suspected."

Ferdinand is survived by two daughters, Amy and Isabelle. They have declined to comment at this time. A GoFundMe page to support the Ferdinand family was organized by Wrangell resident Clarissa Young. It can be found at http://www.gofundme.com under the name "Love and support for Amy & Izzy." The running group Southeast Beasts, along with nonprofit Wrangell Burial Assistance, have organized a community walk and chili feed on Feb. 22, at 11 a.m., starting at the downtown pavilion to raise money for the Ferdinands.