WARRENTON, Ore. — A Coast Guard Air Station North Bend MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew rescued a surfer in distress 150 yards offshore near Cape Kiwanda, Saturday.
The surfer was safely transferred to local emergency medical services at the Pacific City Airport for further medical care.
Watchstanders at the Sector Columbia River Command Center received the report of the surfer in distress via Tillamook County 911 dispatch. The Dolphin crew, who were already airborne on a training mission from Newport, were diverted, quickly located the surfer and hoisted him to safety.
“This case illustrates the importance of unit and interagency relationships,” said Chief Petty Officer Justin Urbano, Command Duty Officer at Sector Columbia River. “Thanks to the training, professionalism and quick response of Station Tillamook Bay, Sector North Bend and Tillamook County 911 we were able the get this surfer needed assistance.
Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported as 8 to 10-foot seas.