In Juneau, Alaska, officials are actively searching for a missing Kentucky woman who vanished while on a hiking trip near the state’s capital. She was a passenger on the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship, and she had informed relatives of her plans to hike but failed to return before the ship’s scheduled departure.
The Juneau Police Department has taken on the search effort, which began after the 62-year-old woman did not return from her solo adventure. She had intended to take a tram—popular among visitors—part way up a mountainside overlooking downtown Juneau. Her plan included a continued trek toward Gold Ridge and Gastineau Peak, as per details from the state Department of Public Safety.
During this time of year, Juneau enjoys frequent visits from cruise ship passengers, and many tourists make use of the tram for its scenic route. However, these picturesque hiking areas are known to still harbor patches of snow on the higher peaks, potentially posing risks to hikers.
Authorities launched both ground and aerial searches on Tuesday and continued ground efforts into Wednesday. Although the operation remains in effect, aerial searches were put on hold due to cloudy and rainy conditions that could impact visibility. With aircraft on standby, the search teams remain poised to deploy as weather conditions permit.