Archive image: A rescue swimmer from U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria dangles below an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter as it hovers above Elliott Bay near Seattle, Washington, Aug. 1, 2023.
The demonstration was part of the Parade of Ships for the annual Seafair festival.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Steve Strohmaier.
SEATTLE — A Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew rescue four men who fell approximately 60 feet from the roof of a large, empty water tower in Taholah, Washington. Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Due to the height of the structure and limited access to fire department ground crews, the Quinault Fire Department requested Coast Guard assistance. Air Station Astoria accepted the mission and launched an MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew. All four men were reportedly unable to walk.
Upon arrival, the Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk MRR Helicopter aircrew deployed two rescue swimmers into the water tank and then used a rescue basket to safely hoist the men aboard the aircraft. Following the hoist, the aircrew transported the men to awaiting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) on scene and life-flighted to the hospital.
«The Coast Guard delivers unique rescue capabilities unmatched in service to the United States and its citizens,» said Cmdr. Neal Corbin, commanding officer of Air Station Astoria. » Our crews are highly trained and proficient in coastal cliff rescue operations, and we are proud to assist the Quinault Nation in this challenging mission. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we wish everyone a swift and full recovery.»
The four men had fallen more than 60 feet and we unable to walk.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Northwest.
Additional questions regarding the patient’s condition and incident investigation can be directed to the Quinault Nation Department of Emergency Management.
–USCG–
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