A kayaker caught up in strong winds and rough seas was rescued from Half Moon Bay near the mouth of Grays Harbor by an off duty Coast Guardsman Saturday.

According to a statement from Coast Guard Station Grays Harbor, the kayaker was in Half Moon Bay off Westhaven, just around the point from the Coast Guard station. The Coast Guard was alerted by local 911 dispatch stating that two kayakers were beset by weather; one was able to make it back to shore, but the other could not. Weather on scene at the time of the incident was reported as 15 mph winds and 8-foot seas.

Watchstanders directed the launch of a Station Grays Harbor 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew, but the off duty petty officer, already under way in a nearby boat, was able to get on scene first. The kayaker was transferred to shore with no injuries or other medical concerns.

“This case illustrates the professionalism of our Coast Guard members,” said Chief Petty Officer Justin Urbano, a command duty officer at Sector Columbia River. “Even while off duty, our Coast Guardsmen and women are ready to respond to any signs of trouble.”