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BOSTON — A Coast Guard aircrew rescued two kayakers Thursday after their kayaks capsized near White Island southeast of Boothbay Harbor, Maine.
At around 2:30 p.m. Coast Guard watchstanders received a call from one of the kayakers reporting that she and a fellow kayaker had capsized but were able to make it to a nearby Island.
A Coast Guard 29-foot rescue boat crew from Station Boothbay Harbor was already underway in the area conducting training and diverted to assist. However, due to the terrain and shallow water around the island the boat crew was unable to pick up the kayakers.
“There are a lot of submerged, jagged rocks in the area and a strong surge,” said Chief Petty Officer William Armstrong, the officer in charge of Station Boothbay Harbor.
With evacuation via water ruled out, a helicopter crew from Air Station Cape Cod was activated.
At around 3:30 p.m. an MH-60 Jayhawk aircrew was launched to assist.
They arrived on scene at around 5:22 p.m. and completed the hoist of the two kayakers at 5:29 p.m.
After safely bringing both individuals aboard, the aircrew flew them to Brunswick Airport.
Both kayakers were medically evaluated by the aircrew and had no injuries.