The Miracle Deer of Stephens Passage 1

A foursome of young bucks fell upon some good luck earlier this year as they were pulled from the icy waters
and swift currents of Stephens Passage by a group of locals out to enjoy the last few days of recent sunshine. The deer were found far from shore, presumably fleeing one of the many black bears in the area.
These good Samaritans describe their experience as "one of those defining moments in life."

Once they reached the vessel, skipper Tom Satre said they began to circle the boat and looked obviously distressed.  The typically skittish and absolutely wild animals
came willingly and once pulled onto the boat, collapsed with exhaustion.They were shivering but obviously content to be out of the frigid Alaskan waters!

Four Sitka black-tailed bucks pulled from the waters of Stephens Passage recover on the back of Tom Satre's 62-foot charter vessel, the Alaska Quest.

The "Miracle deer" were transported to Taku Harbor and witnesses reported they all recovered from
what appeared to be exhaustion and a bit of hypothermia.  Once the group reached the dock,
the first to be pulled from the water hopped onto the dock, looked back, then leapt into the
waters of the harbor and swam to shore. He quickly disappeared into the forest. 
Two others followed suit, after a bit of prodding and assistance from the group.

One of the four Sitka black-tailed bucks pulled from the waters of Stephens Passage is seen being transported via wheelbarrow by Tom Satre after reaching
Taku Harbor.  Witnesses reported all the deer recovered fully from what appeared to be exhaustion and a bit of hypothermia. 

From left: Tom, Anna and Tim Satre help one of the "button" bucks to its feet after they rescued it from Stephens Passage.