Kentucky Doctor Missing After Alaska Solo Hike, Extensive Search Underway

Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, are conducting an ongoing search for Marites Buenafe, a 62-year-old family medicine physician from Lexington, Kentucky, who went missing after leaving the Norwegian Bliss cruise ship to hike alone. Buenafe was last seen around 7:30 a.m. near the top of Mount Roberts Tramway, where she planned to hike the Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, but she failed to return for the ship's scheduled 1:30 p.m. departure. Multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Army National Guard, Juneau Mountain Rescue, and professional volunteer groups, are involved in ground and aerial searches despite challenging mountainous terrain and adverse weather conditions. Efforts have included drone and K-9 units, but so far, no signs of Buenafe have been found. The Norwegian Bliss cruise line has expressed support for the ongoing search and assistance to her family. Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact the Alaska State Troopers in Juneau.