Coast Guard rescues paddle boarder near Wrangell, Alaska

News Release

May 22, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska Contact: 17th District Public Affairs Office: (907) 487-5700 After Hours: (907) 723-5367

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Coast Guard Air Station Sitka MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew rescued a 17-year-old injured paddle boarder near Wrangell, Alaska, Sunday evening.

 

The helicopter crew hoisted and transported the paddle boarder to local emergency medical services personnel in Wrangell.

 

Sector Juneau watchstanders received a request for Coast Guard assistance from Wrangell Search and Rescue to assist a stranded minor who fell off his paddle board on Pat's Lake outside Wrangell. The minor had lost his paddle board and was stranded and injured on a log jam.

 

“This rescue was possible due to the joint effort between Wrangell Fire Department and SAR and the Coast Guard,” said Petty Officer 2^nd Class Kyle Gee, Sector Juneau watchstander. “Due to concerns over a possible back injury, Wrangell SAR requested a helicopter hoist to remove the paddle boarder from the lake.”

 

Weather at the time of the rescue was reported as overcast with light rain and 20 mph winds.

 

-USCG-