A Coast Guard boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment, in Ilwaco, Washington, rescued a man after his boat ran aground and began taking on water in the Columbia River, Monday, July 28. A member of the boatcrew, acting as a surface rescue swimmer, was able to reach the man and get him safely aboard a 29-foot Response Boat–Small and transfer him in good condition to emergency medical services. “The Columbia River Bar is one of the most hazardous bodies of water in America and duty at Station Cape Disappointment demands that our crews are well trained and professional,” said Lt. Scott McGrew, commanding officer of Station Cape Disappointment. “Fireman Mercer and the entire boat crew demonstrated their professionalism today. When the boat could not reach the man due to shallow water, they displayed managed risk and on-scene initiative putting Mercer into the water. He performed exactly as he was trained, and the gentleman’s life was saved due to his bravery.” Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, in Warrenton, were notified by Astoria 911 dispatchers at about 9 a.m. that a 19-foot pleasure craft had grounded near Clatsop Spit, inside the entrance to the Columbia River. Boatcrews from Station Cape Disapointment launched aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat and the RBS, and an aircrew from Air Station Astoria launched aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter. The RB-S boatcrew deployed a surface rescue swimmer to assist the man because of the shallow water depth. The owner of the vessel has contracted a commercial salvage company to remove the vessel from the area.
