USCG Rescue at Collapsed Tower

USCG release - SEATTLE — A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew from Air Station Astoria rescued four men who fell approximately 60 feet from the roof of a large, empty water tower in Taholah, Washington, on Tuesday. Due to the height of the structure and limited access to fire department ground crews, the Quinault Fire Department requested Coast Guard assistance. Air Station Astoria accepted the mission and launched an MH-60 Jayhawk. All four men were reportedly unable to walk. Upon arrival, the Coast Guard helicopter crew deployed two rescue swimmers into the water tank and then used a rescue basket to safely hoist the men aboard the aircraft. Following the hoist, the aircrew transported the men to awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on scene and life-flighted to the hospital. "The Coast Guard delivers unique rescue capabilities unmatched in service to the United States and its citizens," said Cmdr. Neal Corbin, commanding officer of Air Station Astoria. " Our crews are highly trained and proficient in coastal cliff rescue operations, and we are proud to assist the Quinault Nation in this challenging mission. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we wish everyone a swift and full recovery." Additional questions regarding the patient’s condition and incident investigation can be directed to the Quinault Nation Department of Emergency Management.

Search Suspended for Missing Kayaker

USCG release - SEATTLE — The Coast Guard has suspended its search for a missing kayaker near Dungeness Spit, Washington, Wednesday. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a 911 call relay from Clallam Country dispatch approximately 4:30 p.m., from an individual requesting help before the call dropped. Attempts to regain contact with the individual were unsuccessful. The NOAA research vessel Rachel Carson, the tugboat Glen Cove responded to the Coast Guard’s urgent marine information broadcast and a Coast Gurd MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station Port Angeles, a 45-foot response boat medium from Station Port Angeles and the crew of the 87-foot Coast Guard Cutter Sea Lion were directed to the location of the distress. Responders located an overturned kayak and paddle after arriving at the scene but no signs of the individual. “This is a tragic event and suspending a search without finding the individual you are searching for is one of the hardest decisions to make,” said Coast Guard Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander of Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “Our thoughts are with the missing individual’s family during this difficult time.” Weather on scene was reported to be 2-foot seas and 3-10 knot winds.