COOS BAY, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued three hunters and their dog from the waters of Coos Bay Saturday.
The hunters, all male, ages 45, 26 and 13-years old, are from Coos Bay, and were duck hunting when their 18-foot jon boat capsized.
Coast Guard Group North Bend received a report at approximately 7:30 a.m. from security personnel at The Mill casino in Coos Bay who spotted two of the hunters in the water near the casino via a security camera. An HH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, Ore., and a 25-foot response boat crew from Coast Guard Station Coos Bay were launched to the scene.
The helicopter crew arrived first to find the three hunters and their dog in the water. None of the group was wearing a lifejacket. A rescue swimmer was deployed and helped all four swim to the response boat, which arrived within a few minutes. The group was then taken to waiting emergency medical service personnel on shore. All four were cold and wet but suffered no injuries.
The Coast Guard advises boaters to take proper safety precautions, especially during the winter. Make a float plan, ensure someone knows where you’ll be boating and always wear a lifejacket while in your vessel. Hypothermia sets in quickly in cold water and life jackets significantly increase the odds of survival.
25-foot Response Boat-Small.Coast Guard file photo by SN Vanessa Scasny
