SEATTLE — Coast Guard crews and local responders rescued three people from the water south of the Grays Harbor South Jetty, Saturday.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Warrenton, Oregon hoisted two females and one male, and safely transported them to emergency medical personnel waiting at Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor in Westport.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton were notified at 2:37 p.m. by Grays Harbor County dispatchers of two surfers in distress south of the North Jetty. Two 47-foot Motor Life Boat crews from Station Grays Harbor and the helicopter crew launched in response.
Local dispatchers notified sector watchstanders of a third person, who attempted to aid the surfers, in distress in the water. As the three people were pulled south by currents, dispatchers relayed their position to sector watchstanders.
MLB boat crews remained on scene as safety observers and backup during the hoists.
“Our crews and local partners did an outstanding job in their combined efforts and effective communication with the response today,” said Mark Dobney, command duty officer at Sector Columbia River. “Often the key to a positive outcome in a case like this comes down to maintaining visual contact and relaying the position of people in the water.”
All three people were reportedly in good condition.
Weather on scene was 10 mph winds, with a 49 F air temperature and 51 F water temperature.
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