Dozens rescued by Coast Guard after high winds topple kayakers during race in Washington
About 75 people were taking part in a paddling and rowing race through Washington's Deception Pass when the weather turned windy.
Coast Guard Cutter Adelie and a 45-foot Response Boat-Medium from Station Bellingham transit near Deception Pass, Washington, Dec. 11, 2021.
(U.S. Coast Guard)
ANACORTES, Wash. -- Nearly 40 people paddling along Deception Pass as part of a race through the area had to be rescued Saturday morning when high winds swept through the racecourse.
About 75 people were taking part in the Deception Pass Challenge -- a paddling and rowing race through the passage -- when the weather turned windy, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard then received a call for help that more than 20 people had been pushed into the water, and many others needed help getting back to shore.
An 87-foot Coast Guard cutter was already at the scene, and soon a second ship and rescue helicopter were on their way. Local marine units soon joined the rescue.
In all, the Coast Guard boats pulled seven from the water and assisted another 30 kayakers back to safety. Eventually, everyone was accounted for, and there were no reported injuries.
"Always check and monitor the marine weather forecast before any trip out on the water," the Coast Guard advised. "High winds and increasing seas are good reasons to postpone being out on the water."