Unalaska, AK – This week, the Coast Guard received five storm avoidance requests from foreign cargo vessels traveling through the Aleutian Islands on the Great Circle Route. Two vessels near Attu, two near Atka, and one near Adak were able to seek shelter in U.S. waters while the severe weather passed. This winter, the Coast Guard has received ten shelter requests, and half were made this past weekend.

"It's not unusual for the Coast Guard to get storm avoidance requests, but it is unusual to have so many at one time," says Petty Officer David Mosley.

Of the five that requested shelter, the two near Atka have continued on their way.