An MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria in Warrenton, Oregon, was on a training mission Nov. 10 when they spotted three people whose kayaks had capsized.
The Coast Guard said the weather conditions at the scene — near Clatsop Spit at the Columbia River entrance — were 8- to 10-foot seas, 10-mph winds and an air and water temperature of 56 degrees F.
The aircrew was conducting advanced helicopter rescue training in conjunction with a motor lifeboat crew from Station Cape Disappointment in Ilwaco, Washington.
The aircrew rescued two male kayakers. The motor lifeboat crew rescued a female kayaker. All were delivered to emergency medical services.
“Regardless of how nice it looks out, always check marine weather reports before you hit the water, especially right now, as various small-craft advisories and gale warnings are in effect all across Oregon and Washington,” said Lt. Adriana Gaenzle, operations controller at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.
“Outstanding work on behalf of the crews for spotting and quickly addressing what could have easily become a disastrous situation.”
