Two found dead in the water near Shaktoolik, authorities say they did not have life jackets

Just after midnight on Thursday, authorities were informed that two bodies had been found partially submerged in water near Shaktoolik.

Alaska State Troopers in Unalakleet responded to the call, and the bodies were later identified as Ella Agibinik, 68, of Unalakleet and Dan Takak, 75, of Shaktoolik.

Troopers say the deceased were reportedly out egg hunting near Shaktoolik, but did not return. Locals in the area mobilized to search for the overdue party, who were out on the water using what troopers called a "makeshift raft."

The bodies were eventually found near the raft, in the water. AST said that neither Agibinik nor Takak had been wearing life jackets at the time.

Troopers said that the bodies will be transported to Anchorage so that the State Medical Examiner can conduct autopsies on the bodies.