Daring rescue saves 2 men

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published May 08, 2008

Ferris, 38, a software writer, said he is an experienced kayaker, but he had never had to go out on rough water to save a person before.

'Bless his heart'

After Ferris came ashore, Griffin Fire Lt. Skip Nichols told an exhausted Ferris that his actions saved the man's life.

"He just went out on a kayak and rescued that kid, bless his heart," Nichols said.

Ferris said he thinks anyone would have done the same.

Hennigan said others who heard the men screaming and called 9-1-1 deserve a lot of credit for the rescue.

A Coast Guard helicopter and a boat with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to participate in the rescue, but by the time they arrived, Ferris and the Taylor Shellfish boat had already saved the two men.

46 degrees

Hennigan estimated the temperature on Totten Inlet at about 46 degrees.

U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Scott Brazier said the two men were lucky to be wearing flotation devices because they help keep vital organs above the water line to diminish the onset of hypothermia.

Walker said Taylor Shellfish trains fishermen to save people who are adrift.

Brazier said the men reported that their work skiff was having engine problems, and because of the high winds, the boat was taking on water that caused it to sink.

Hennigan said both men are expected to make a full recovery. Both were fortunate to be wearing flotation devices and rain gear that gave them some protection from the cold water, Hennigan said. He declined to release their names or ages Wednesday night.

Ferris said he was tired after the afternoon rescue.

"I'm going to go take a nap," he said.

Jeremy Pawloski covers public safety for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.