David Webster's video: Off Grid Alaskan Adventure Ends In Catastrophe And River Rescue

BETHEL – On the North Fork Kuskokwim River, a remote stretch far from McGrath where almost no one goes, Vladimir Yakushin on Wednesday waved frantically from his small raft at a plane flying past. He was in trouble, trouble that suddenly seemed too big to get out of on his own. Overhead was an Alaska Department of Fish and Game pilot, and he couldn't negotiate a landing on the narrow, zigzagging river channel. The pilot left to summon help. Just two weeks before, Yakushin, 29, was busting with hope. "Im going to Alaska, baby!!!" he posted on Facebook June 13 with a selfie. He was grinning. His hair was neatly pulled back. Bags were stacked beside him. Vladimir Yakushin, 29, is pictured on June 24, 2016, at Chleca Lakes in Interior Alaska at the partially built cabin of another adventurer that he borrowed. He had hoped to build his own cabin this summer. Alaska State Troopers rescued him from the North Fork Kuskokwim River on Wednesday. (Photo courtesty of Vladimir Yakushin) Vladimir Yakushin, 29, is pictured on June 24, 2016, at Chleca Lakes in Interior Alaska at the partially built cabin of another adventurer that he borrowed. He had hoped to build his own cabin this summer. Alaska State Troopers rescued him from the North Fork Kuskokwim River on Wednesday.