The crew of the boat swiftly sprang into action, pulling the unconscious woman from the frigid waters. CPR was initiated promptly, as reported by the Coast Guard. The woman was carefully hoisted aboard the waiting helicopter and swiftly airlifted to a nearby hospital. Tragically, despite the valiant efforts of the rescue team, she was pronounced deceased upon arrival at the medical facility.
Meanwhile, the man who had also found himself in distress at sea was rescued and brought back to Station Bellingham by boat. From there, he was swiftly transferred by ambulance to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Additionally, a member of the Coast Guard team involved in the rescue operation sustained injuries and was also transported to the hospital. Fortunately, he was treated and later discharged on the same night, according to the Coast Guard reports.
Speaking about the arduous rescue mission, McGrew, a spokesperson for the Coast Guard, highlighted the challenging conditions faced by the team. He mentioned the presence of a Fraser Wind outflow, characterized by cold air sweeping down from the Fraser River in Canada, resulting in unseasonably harsh weather conditions in Washington. McGrew emphasized that such adverse weather patterns are not uncommon in the region, underscoring the demanding nature of rescue operations in the Pacific Northwest.
Describing the extreme weather conditions routinely encountered by rescue crews, McGrew explained that they are equipped with specialized gear such as personal protective equipment and dry suits to mitigate the risks posed by the inclement weather. He detailed the various challenges faced during operations, including concerns about ice formation on boats and helicopters due to freezing temperatures and spray, emphasizing the importance of maintaining safety protocols in such hazardous conditions.
Despite the heroic efforts of the rescue teams, the identity of the deceased victim has not been disclosed by the Coast Guard. McGrew expressed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim, acknowledging the emotional difficulty associated with such tragic incidents. Emphasizing the resilience and preparedness of the Coast Guard crews in the face of extreme weather challenges, he underscored the dedication and professionalism exhibited by the team during the perilous nighttime rescue off the Washington state coast.
*[Original article source: Video: 1 dead, 1 saved as US Coast Guard makes dramatic nighttime rescue in Washington state]*
