The Coast Guard rescued three men from the banks of the Necanicum River near Seaside, after the men capsized their kayaks, Wednesday evening, March 16. The three men ages 17, 18 and 20 were rescued by a Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, who safely delivered them to EMS personnel at Seaside Airport who then were taken to Seaside Providence Hospital with symptoms related to hypothermia. At 8:38 p.m, a watchstander at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River, in Warrenton, responded to a call for assistance from Seaside dispatch requesting assistance in rescuing the three stranded men. The three men had reportedly been kayaking in the Necanium River when they capsized in a remote area of the river and were left stranded on a gravel bar in the middle of the river. The Jayhawk crew launched to assist and quickly located the three men who were huddled together. A rescue swimmer was lowered down 190 feet to evaluate and assist the stranded kayakers. After all three men were safely hoisted to the helicopter they were transported to the Seaside Airport. “The Coast Guard reminds persons on the water to be prepared for an unexpected emergency by wearing proper gear like a wetsuit and life jacket,” said Lt. Chris Morris, command duty officer, Sector Columbia River. “We remind everyone that the rivers and creeks are running fast due to the amount of rain that has hit the area, so caution is essential.”
