Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Coast Guard Thirteenth District

DHS USCG BANNER

Press Release

Date: April 18, 2005

Contact: Petty Officer Mike Zolzer
206-220-737

GOOD SAMARITAN SAVES TWO NEAR PORT ANGELES

SEATTLE – Two people were rescued Saturday afternoon after their 19-foot boat was struck by several waves and capsized 12-miles west of Port Angeles, Wash.

The Rescue Coordination Center in Victoria, British Columbia received a call from the master of a 16-foot pleasure craft at about 1 p.m., reporting he had just rescued two people from the water.

The two men were transported to a dock in Freshwater Bay near Port Angeles, where awaiting emergency medical technicians treated and released the men. 

The men were in the 50-degree water for about fifteen minutes before being rescued. Neither were wearing lifejackets when rescued.

In 2003, there were 481 drowning deaths across the nation. Wearing a lifejacket, like wearing a seatbelt must be done before an accident occurs to be effective. Maritime accidents often occur quickly and do not allow a person to put on a lifejacket. If used proactively, a lifejacket can greatly increase a persons chance of survival during a maritime accident. In 87 percent of all drownings people were not wearing a life jacket.

###

The U.S. Coast Guard is a military, maritime, multi-mission service within the
Department of Homeland Security dedicated to protecting the safety and security of America.

Printer Friendly Versionprinter friendly