Search and rescue teams are actively looking for a 62-year-old woman who vanished during a solo hike above Juneau on Tuesday. Marites Buenafe, a Kentucky resident, arrived in Juneau Tuesday morning aboard a cruise ship and planned to hike Mount Roberts.
She told her family she would take the tram and hike the Gold Ridge trail toward Gastineau Peak but never returned. Her disappearance has prompted an intensive effort involving multiple agencies.
Juneau Mountain Rescue conducted a coordinated ground search using thermal drones and canine units throughout Tuesday and Wednesday. Alaska Wildlife Troopers deployed their Helo 5 aircraft to assist in aerial reconnaissance of the mountainous terrain.
The US Coast Guard also contributed a helicopter for air surveillance above the hiking trails. The Department of Public Safety confirmed that search teams would continue operating throughout Thursday, with ground and aerial units covering new sections.
DPS spokesperson Austin McDaniel urged all backcountry hikers to leave detailed plans with someone they trust before heading out. He explains that hikers should prepare for unpredictable cell service in Alaska’s rugged wilderness and carry reliable communication tools.
The ongoing search underscores the risks of remote hiking and the importance of communication preparation. The case of the Juneau hiker missing after a cruise has sparked concern among residents and tourists alike as officials expand their search grid.
Posters of Buenafe have circulated across social media, and search leaders encourage anyone with trail sightings or information to contact authorities immediately. The family, cruise line, and local officials remain hopeful as teams persist in locating the Juneau hiker missing after the cruise safely.
