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SEATTLE — U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Washington State Park personnel rescued 12 kayakers in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island Washington, Thursday afternoon.
Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound issued an urgent marine information broadcast at approximately 1:50 p.m., after being notified via, VHF channel-16 that 12 kayakers, including six children, were in distress between Patos Island and Sucia Island and in need of assistance.
A Coast Guard Station Bellingham 29-foot response boat crew, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police Federal Policing – Pacific Shiprider (RCMP) marine boat crew and the crew of a Washington State Park vessel who were patrolling nearby waters, responded immediately to rescue the individuals.
All 12 individuals were safely rescued and transported back to Orcas Island. No injuries were reported.
“A VHF marine radio is a mariner's lifeline when there is no cell phone service,” said Capt. Michael Hunt, deputy commander, Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “It proved its worth by helping save lives in the San Juan Islands.”
For more information on the Shiprider program visit Canada-U.S. Shiprider | Royal Canadian Mounted Police