PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A father and his 5-year-old son were among three people saved in dramatic U.S. Coast Guard rescues earlier this month along the Oregon coast.
The first rescue on November 5, involving crews from Air Station Astoria, Station Tillamook Bay, and Station Cape Disappointment, included airlifting one person from a sailboat trapped in waves of 8 to 10 feet with winds gusting to 40 knots, the USCG said. Rescuers first transferred the person to a lifeboat and then airlifted them to shore for medical care.
Later that night, officials said, a dad and his young son were rescued after clinging to their overturned boat near the mouth of the Columbia River for about two hours in 2 to 4 foot waves with winds up to 35 knots. The rescue began after a family member called and said they were long overdue.
Officials did not provide any details on the medical conditions of the rescued trio other than to say the efforts saved three lives.
“These rescues highlight the importance of carrying a VHF radio, filing a float plan, and wearing your life jacket,” Coast Guard officials said in a release. “Nobody plans to capsize or go overboard.”