TILLAMOOK, Ore. — A Coast Guard aircrew rescued a swimmer who was in distress and was reportedly injured near Cape Lookout State Park Saturday afternoon.
An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station Astoria hoisted the 18-year-old man around 1:30 p.m. and transported him to the Cape Lookout State Park parking lot where he was met by emergency medical response personnel.
The man was reportedly swimming in a tide pool with two friends when a wave swept him away from shore. The man was able to swim to a rock formation but could not safely get back to shore due to a reported leg injury.
The man's friends were able to get out of the water and call 911. Dispatchers contacted watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River in Warrenton at 12:26 p.m. and requested assistance rescuing the stranded man.
The Jayhawk crew was in the area for training and diverted to assist.
Rescuers from Tillamook Bay Fire Department used jetskis to move the man away from the rock formation so the Coast Guard helicopter crew could safely hoist him.
"This rescue highlights the importance of teamwork with local emergency response agencies," said Chief Petty Officer Matthew DeGerolamo, a watchstander at Sector Columbia River who helped coordinate the case. "The responders on scene were trained and prepared for the case, and their clear communication allowed us get the man out of danger quickly and safely."
The Coast Guard reminds all beachgoers to keep an eye on the sea as tide and wave conditions can change quickly.
The weather at the time of the rescue was reported to be an air temperature of 44 degrees with a water temperature of 52 degrees.