SEATTLE – During historic flooding in Western Washington on Wednesday, Coast Guard aircrews rescued four people from a flooded home in Sumas, Washington, after rising water forced them into their attic. Coast Guard Air Stations Port Angeles, Wash., and Astoria, Ore., responded to assist Whatcom County Fire District 14 and the U.S. Border Patrol, who were unable to reach the survivors due to 8 to 10 foot deep water surrounding the home.
Air Station Port Angeles and Air Station Astoria each hoisted two survivors and transferred them to EMS at a nearby landing zone.
A MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from Air Station Port Angeles arrived on scene and deployed a rescue swimmer to the roof of a porch, where he was able to assist the survivors through a window in the second story attic. Port Angeles crews hoisted the first two survivors and transported them the landing zone while the rescue swimmer remained on the rooftop with the two remaining individuals.
An aircrew from Air Station Astoria arrived immediately after, hoisted the remaining two individuals, and recovered the rescue swimmer. Both helicopters delivered the survivors to the landing zone for medical evaluation by EMS. There were no reported injuries.
“This is exactly why we train the way we do, day in and day out,” said Scott Giard, Coast Guard Northwest District Search and Rescue Program Manager. “When human lives are at risk, our crews stand ready to respond with skill and precision.”
As America’s premier maritime first responder, the Coast Guard continues to support federal, state, tribal, and local partners as flooding continues to impact Western Washington.
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