Coast Guard rescues capsized kayaker near Westport south jetty Saturday

May 13, 2019 11:30 am
COURTESY COAST GUARD STATION GRAYS HARBOR Crews from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor rescued a capsized kayaker near Westport’s south jetty Saturday.
COURTESY COAST GUARD STATION GRAYS HARBOR Crews from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor rescued a capsized kayaker near Westport’s south jetty Saturday.

A kayaker caught against the rocks and crashing waves of the Westport South Jetty was rescued Saturday by a crew from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor.

A distress call was received from a fellow kayaker who had a portable VHF radio, and rescuers were able to recover the capsized kayaker, according to a Coast Guard statement. The kayaker suffered from hypothermia, lacerations and abdominal injuries caused by wave action pushing him into and out of the jetty rocks.

“Ultimately, the situation ended favorably, however a different result was likely had a life jacket not been worn, and fellow kayakers not had a portable VHF radio to report the incident on Channel 16,” read the Coast Guard statement. The emergency response was assisted by the South Beach Regional Fire Authority.