Coast Guard rescues hiker lost for 5 days in Oregon’s Illinois River Valley

USCG release - ASTORIA, Ore. — A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew rescued a stranded hiker Friday morning in the Illinois River Valley near Greenwall Rapids, Oregon, following a multi-day search alongside the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office. A MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend supported the Josephine County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team during efforts to locate the 26-year-old hiker, who had last been seen Monday near Greenwall Rapids. The Coast Guard received a request earlier in the week from the Oregon Search and Rescue Coordinator to assist Josephine County with the search. The MH-65 crew deployed several times throughout the week, conducting aerial searches in support of ground teams. On Friday, a private party coordinating with search and rescue personnel located the hiker. Crews requested Coast Guard helicopter support after determining the individual could not be safely evacuated on foot due to their injuries. The hiker was suffering from injuries to his hands and feet. The MH-65 helicopter arrived on scene at approximately 11:55 a.m. The crew lowered a rescue swimmer and safely hoisted the hiker onboard the aircraft. The individual was transported to Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay for evaluation. The search effort spanned several days and involved close coordination between the Coast Guard and Josephine County Sheriff’s Office.

Coast Guard suspends search for missing man in the Hood Canal

USCG release - ASTORIA, Ore.  — The Coast Guard suspended its search Saturday, for a male kayaker who went missing in the Hood Canal near Hazel Point, Washington on Friday evening. The missing kayaker is a 21-year-old male, who was last seen in a black hoodie with no life jacket while kayaking on the Hood Canal near Hazel Point. He was with a friend before their kayak overturned. In total, Coast Guard crews conducted 12 searches, covering 43 square miles. Search efforts began on Friday night after the Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound Command Center received a notification from Jefferson County reporting two kayakers who overturned and attempted to swim ashore. The kayak overturned at approximately 10:00 p.m. While they were attempting to swim ashore, one of the kayakers reported losing sight of his friend. He was able to call 911 for help upon reaching the shore, prompting search efforts. Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound launched an Air Station Port Angeles MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew, Station Seattle 45-foot Response Boat-Medium, and the USCGC Blue Shark (WPB-87360) to conduct searches. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s office and local fire/rescue crews also responded with land and marine units. Active search and rescue efforts are suspended pending new information.