PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A dozen kayakers, including six children, were rescued by the Coast Guard and other agencies from waters in the San Juan Islands in northwest Washington state Thursday afternoon.
Around 2 p.m., officials said a VHF marine radio notified USCG watchstanders in Puget Sound, who then issued a broadcast saying 12 kayakers were reported to be in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island.
A Coast Guard boat crew from Bellingham, a boat crew from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, as well as a Washington State Parks vessel patrolling the area responded to rescue them.
USCG said all 12 were safely rescued and no injuries were reported.
“A VHF marine radio is a mariner’s lifeline when there is no cell phone service,” said Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.”