Rescuers use flares to locate capsized kayaker
17/01/2020
Rescuers used flares to locate a kayaker who capsized in Washington, USA.
A visitor to the area saw the incident near Mabana Heights on Camano Island at the end of December 2019, and called the authorities after hearing cries for help, Goskagit.com reports.
The kayaker was in an open Hobie kayak on calm seas when a freak wave hit, according to a boat accident investigation report.
The wave overturned the boat, sending the kayaker, who was wearing a wetsuit, into the water. He could not get back in the kayak, but held onto it.
Camano Island Fire and Rescue personnel and an Island County deputy arrived and fired flares to help rescue boats locate the man, who was drifting in a north current.
The kayaker was rescued and taken to Skagit Valley Hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia.
The image of a stretch of Camano Island Beach is from Wikimedia and is taken by Cody Logan.
