Three people stranded on trail to Levelock returned safely

A search and rescue wrapped up Tuesday morning with three people returned safely to Levelock.

Danielle Dobkins, Ivon Washington, and Paul Chukwak, all in their 40s, had made a trip to Naknek by four-wheeler Sunday morning, and had broken down on the return trip on Sunday evening.

They were stranded near Coffee Creek, and called for help Monday when they realized no one else would be coming by.

When contact with authorities by cell phone was lost, the trio decided to begin hiking the remaining distance to Levelock.

Chukwak had been unable to continue the hike after a few miles, but Dobkins and Washington continued on, leaving Chukwak behind with a bottle of vodka, Alaska State Troopers said.

Dobkins and Washington took shelter in an abandoned cabin, and volunteer searchers from Levelock found them there at about 1 a.m. Tuesday.

At first light Tuesday, a state wildlife trooper from King Salmon flew in search of Chukwak, finding him alive and in fair shape.

Chukwak was picked up in the Super Cub and flown to Levelock.

The three were making a booze run to Naknek, and attribute some of the problems encountered on the trail to alcohol, troopers said.

KDLG - Dillingham

KDLG is our partner station in Dillingham. KTOO collaborates with partners across the state to cover important news and to share stories with our audiences.

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