According to the U.S. Coast Guard and the Marine Exchange of Alaska, which monitors ship traffic in Alaska, there was no distress call — just a general request for assistance.

Coast Guard Public Affairs Specialist Shannon Shepard said by email that the Coast Guard heard the call for help just after 9:30 p.m. Monday night.

“At approximately 9:56 p.m., the Coast Guard determined they were not in distress and issued a marine assistance request broadcast on their behalf,” she said.

Alaska Beacon

Article also points out that as a frequent visitor to the area, the cruise ship would be more familiar with the frequencies used locally.

No, I'm just not familiar with maritime etiquette. I don't think you can compare that to vehicles on land. When someone's on the shoulder and you are someone there helping them, there's no expectation for anyone else to also stop and offer assistance.

It does seem strange to me that so many others would be though.