SEKIU — U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard crews rescued a 60-year-old man from a capsized vessel near the Hoko River on Sunday night.
The man was wearing a life jacket and was able to survive 45 minutes in the water before help arrived.
Officials did not identify the man.
Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report at 5:42 p.m. of a capsized 12-foot aluminum rowboat.
A U.S. Coast Guard Station Neah Bay 47-foot motor lifeboat crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles assisted in the rescue.
The Canadian Coast Guard Ship John P. Tully and crew diverted to assist and recovered the man at 6:36 p.m.
The Canadian crew transferred the man to the 47-foot motor lifeboat crew, who then brought him back to emergency medical service technicians waiting at Olsen’s Resort marina in Sekiu.
The man was reported to be alert, responsive and uninjured.
“This rescue highlights the absolute necessity for mariners to always wear personal floatation devices while on the water,” said Petty Officer Alexander Polyak, an operations specialist at Sector Puget Sound.
“Additionally, our joint coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard demonstrates how maritime safety transcends national boundaries; this case provided a unique opportunity to work directly with our international partners for a rapid, successful response.”
