Coast Guard conducts inland rescue of injured hiker near Coos Bay, Oregon

News Release

May 24, 2017 U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest Contact: 13th District Public Affairs Office: (503) 861-6132 After Hours: (206) 391-5864

Coast Guard conducts inland rescue of injured hiker near Coos Bay, Oregon

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WARRENTON, Ore. — The Coast Guard rescued a woman who suffered a leg injury while hiking Quail Creek Park near Coos Bay, Ore., Wednesday.

A Sector North Bend MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew successfully hoisted the 69-year-old woman and transported her to awaiting emergency medical services at the Grants Pass Airport for further medical care.

Watchstanders at Sector North Bend received the report of the injured woman from Oregon State search and rescue coordinators requesting Coast Guard assistance due the difficult terrain and the amount of time it would take ground responders to arrive on scene.

“This case exemplifies the importance having hoist capable assets in the area,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Gregory Busik, an operations specialist at Sector North Bend. “Because of the difficult terrain in the national park, we were able to get this woman the help she needed quickly when ground rescue might have taken hours.”

The Coast Guard works closely with state first responders in situations where helicopter rescue is the best option.

Weather on time and the scene of the incident was reported as 10 mph winds and cloudy skies.

 

-USCG-