Search Underway for Missing Cruise Passenger After Juneau Hiking Excursion

Authorities are currently searching for a woman who went missing in Juneau, Alaska. The woman, a 62-year-old from Kentucky, disembarked from the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship to go hiking and failed to return before the ship's departure. The Juneau Police Department received a report about her disappearance on Tuesday afternoon.

According to the state Department of Public Safety, the woman had informed relatives that morning of her hiking plans. She intended to take a tram, popular with tourists, partway up a mountain overlooking downtown Juneau. From there, she planned to hike to Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak.

Juneau is a frequent destination for cruise ships, and many tourists stay near the developed areas accessible by the tram. However, the local peaks still have areas covered in snow. Ground and aerial searches were initiated on Tuesday and resumed on Wednesday, with aircraft on standby due to the inclement weather.

A spokesperson from the Department of Public Safety emphasized the importance of informing someone about one's hiking plans. This includes sharing the intended route, estimated return time, and details about clothing. This information is crucial for alerting search and rescue teams if a hiker doesn't return as scheduled.

The spokesperson also advised hikers to consider carrying a secondary communication device. Cell phone service can be unreliable in remote areas. Satellite communication devices, such as inReach or Spot devices, or modern phones with satellite capabilities, can be essential for contacting help if needed.