These actions helped Coast Guard rescue kayaker from Bellingham Bay
A local U.S. Coast Guard crew rescued a 60-year-old kayaker Saturday, Dec. 10, who overturned in Bellingham Bay.
Crews from Bellingham and Port Angeles responded to a 911 call near Fairhaven for a kayaker who had not returned when expected. While responding to the call, Coast Guard crews also received distress alerts from the kayaker’s VHS safety radio, signaling his location to rescuers.
Crews found the kayaker holding onto his capsized kayak, floating in 46-degree water with a life vest on.
He had been in the water for an extended period of time, according to the Coast Guard.
Rescuers got him out of the water and took him to shore for more medical services. He was expected to make a full recovery.
Wearing a life jacket, dressing appropriately for the conditions, carrying a radio and notifying others of his float plan contributed to the kayaker’s rescue, according to the Bellingham Coast Guard.
