IMAGE AVAILABLE: U.S., Canadian Coast Guard crews rescue man from capsized vessel near Sekiu

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U.S. Coast Guard 13th District Pacific Northwest
Contact: 13th District Public Affairs
Office: (206) 220-7237
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U.S., Canadian Coast Guard crews rescue man from capsized vessel near Sekiu

U.S. Coast Guard crew members aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Station Neah Bay transfer a survivor from a small boat of the Canadian Coast Guard Ship John P. Tully, near Sekiu, Washington, July 28, 2019. The joint agency operation rescued a 60-year-old man from a capsized 12-foot aluminum rowboat. U.S. Coast Guard photo courtesy of Air Station Port Angeles.

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SEATTLE --- U.S. Coast Guard and Canadian Coast Guard crews rescued a 60-year-old man from a capsized vessel near the Hoko River in Sekiu, Washington, Sunday night.

The man was wearing a life jacket and was able to survive 45 minutes in the water before help arrived. 

Watchstanders from Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report at 5:42 p.m. of a capsized 12-foot aluminum rowboat. 

A U.S. Coast Guard Station Neah Bay 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station Port Angeles assisted in the rescue.

The Canadian Coast Guard Ship John P. Tully and crew diverted to assist and recovered the man at 6:36 p.m. 

The Canadian crew transferred the man to the 47-foot MLB crew, who then brought him back to emergency medical service technicians waiting at Olsen Marina. 

The man was reported to be alert, responsive and uninjured. 

"This rescue highlights the absolute necessity for mariners to always wear personal floatation devices while on the water," said Petty Officer Alexander Polyak, an operations specialist at Sector Puget Sound. "Additionally, our joint coordination with the Canadian Coast Guard demonstrates how maritime safety transcends national boundaries; this case provided a unique opportunity to work directly with our international partners for a rapid, successful response."

-USCG-