A cruise ship passenger’s body was discovered late Thursday in the rugged terrain above Alaska’s capital city.
Marites Buenafe, 62, of Kentucky, ventured off her cruise ship for a hike near Juneau, before being found dead below the ridgeline of Gold Ridge after she failed to return to the vessel.
Her disappearance had sparked an extensive search involving state troopers, Juneau Mountain Rescue, and air support from both Temsco Helicopters and the Alaska Army National Guard.
It was a National Guard helicopter crew that ultimately spotted her body in the remote alpine area, bringing a grim end to the search effort.
Her remains were recovered with the help of rescue teams and air support, officials said.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety reported that Buenafe’s next of kin have been notified and that her body will be transported to the state medical examiner’s office for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
Buenafe, an physician with UK HealthCare, was on a family vacation when she told relatives she planned to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway and hike the trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak while the sprawling cruise ship docked in Juneau.
Marites Buenafe, 62, of Kentucky, who had ventured off her cruise ship for a hike near Juneau, was found dead below the ridgeline of Gold Ridge after she failed to return to the vessel
Buenafe was last seen on security footage around 7:30 a.m. on July 1, leaving the buildings at the upper station of the Mount Roberts Tramway (pictured)
She was last seen on security footage around 7:30 a.m. on July 1, leaving the buildings at the upper station of the Mount Roberts Tramway, according to a bulletin issued by Alaska State Troopers on Wednesday.
Her absence was discovered after she failed to return to the ship before its scheduled 1:30 p.m. departure.
After confirming she had not re-boarded, her family alerted authorities, prompting a multi-agency search effort.
A Norwegian Cruise Line spokesperson later confirmed the search for the missing doctor.
‘An active search is ongoing, and we are providing assistance to local authorities as appropriate. Our CARE team is providing support to the guest’s family, and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,’ the luxury cruise line spokesperson said.
Alaska State Troopers led the search efforts, with support from Juneau Mountain Rescue, Juneau Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and search-and-rescue dogs from Southeast Alaska Dogs Organized for Ground Search (SEADOGS), The New York Times reported.
Teams of volunteers searched the local Mount Roberts area on foot, as well as deploying drones and helicopters. However, officials noted that poor weather limited the effectiveness of air operations.
Buenafe was on a family cruise when she told relatives she planned to ride the Mount Roberts Tramway and hike the trail from Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak while the boat stopped at a port in Juneau
The search was concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau (pictured)
The Norwegian Bliss continued its scheduled route, with upcoming stops in Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria before returning to Seattle. Pictured: The cruise ship Norwegian Bliss is shown docked in Juneau, Alaska
The search was concentrated in the mountains just south of downtown Juneau, which Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Department of Public Safety emphasized is not considered a remote area.
Though popular with tourists and locals, the trail winds through steep and densely wooded terrain that can quickly become dangerous due to unpredictable mountain weather.
‘Backcountry travel in Alaska, even close to town, can present serious challenges,’ Alaska State Troopers said in a statement.
‘We urge anyone venturing into these areas to hike with a partner, carry communication gear, and leave a detailed plan with someone.’
A description for the missing woman was issued after her disappearance, she was was described as 5 feet tall, approximately 118 pounds, with short black hair and brown eyes.
The Norwegian Bliss continued its scheduled route, with upcoming stops in Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, and Victoria before returning to Seattle.
