Two tugboat crew members were killed and two others were injured in what the Coast Guard described as a "confined space incident" aboard a barge in southeast Alaska.

The incident occurred on a barge that was moored in the region, according to Coast Guard officials. The affected individuals were crew members from a tugboat operating in the area.

Confined space incidents typically involve hazardous atmospheres or conditions within enclosed or partially enclosed areas with limited entry and exit points. Such spaces can present risks including oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, or other dangerous conditions.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries. Officials have not yet released additional details about the specific cause of the incident or the identities of those involved.

The investigation will likely examine safety protocols, atmospheric conditions within the confined space, and other factors that may have contributed to the tragic outcome.