The Pacific County Sheriff’s Office, working with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington State Patrol, helped located and recover a pair of boaters that had become stuck on the Palix River just across from Bay Center on Sunday night.

PCSO received a call for assistance at 9:24 p.m., said Cmdr. Mike Parker of the Pacific County Sheriff’s Office — the two boaters, Pacific County residents, riding in an approximately 10-foot skiff, had become stranded by the outgoing tide and engine troubles.

“It’s not something that happens often,” Parker said.

The first deputy on scene arrived after finishing another call, Parker said. Efforts to located the two people in distress were complicated by weather and lighting, and not made easier when the stranded individuals’ phone batteries died, Parker said. In the case of being lost or stranded, it could be useful to set your voicemail to say your last known location if you’re concerned about your phone dying, said Undersheriff Mike Ray.

WDFW Sgt. Todd Dielman, who was off-duty at the time, came out to assist with a boat, and was able to locate the boaters. Sheriff Daniel Garcia, operating the department’s drone, was able to assist Dielman with the drone’s spotlight as he towed the boaters to safety.

“We’ve had the drone since 2021. Up until this year it’s only been used a handful of times. Since January it’s been getting a lot more use,” Parker said. “Every time we’re able to get the drone up in the air and coordinate with other local assets, it makes our next response that much better.”

The boaters were recovered without issue, Parker said, praising other agencies for their assistance in the search and rescue, including the state trooper who happened to be in the area, heard the call, and went to offer any assistance he could.

Filing a float plan with someone ashore, letting them know where you’re planning on going and when you plan on returning, can save critical time in an emergency. Recognizing when a situation is going critical, and you need assistance, can prevent injury or worse as well.

Contact Senior Reporter Michael S. Lockett at 757-621-1197 or mlockett@thedailyworld.com.