Local

Man saved in dramatic water rescue after vessel capsizes in Willapa Bay

A Coast Guard water rescue early Friday morning in Willapa Bay averted a drowning after a boat carrying two passengers capsized.

According to a Coast Guard report Friday, Coast Guard Sector Columbia River command center received a call from the Pacific County Sheriff’s Department at 12:30 a.m. Friday.

A 41-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy were on the boat when it capsized near Ellsworth Creek Preserve.

The boy’s mother called 911 after seeing the boat roll as it approached a boat ramp, sending her boyfriend and son into the water, according to the Coast Guard.

The man was wearing a life vest. The teen was able to swim to shore and received treatment on scene.

Coast Guard rescuers with an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter were able to recover the man with the assistance of a rescue swimmer and recovery basket at about 1:30 a.m.

The man showed signs of hypothermia after the water rescue and was transported for further emergency care.

This story was originally published November 6, 2021 at 11:29 AM with the headline "Man saved in dramatic water rescue after vessel capsizes in Willapa Bay."

Debbie Cockrell
The News Tribune
Debbie Cockrell has been with The News Tribune since 2009. She reports on business and development, local and regional issues. 
Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER