Archive image: A rescue swimmer is hoisted back into a Coast Guard MH-65E Dolphin helicopter after recovering a training dummy during a search and rescue (SAR) demonstration, June 7, 2025.
The SAR demonstration highlighted Air Station Port Angeles’ role in safeguarding the maritime community since its establishment in 1935.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Annika Hirschler.
SEATTLE – During historic flooding in Western Washington on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, a Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65E Dolphin aircrew and an Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk aircrew conducted the rescue of four people from a roof during the floods in Sumas, Washington, after rising water forced them into their attic.
Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles, Washington, and Air Station Astoria, Oregon, responded to assist Whatcom County Fire District 14 and the U.S. Border Patrol, who were unable to reach the survivors due to 8 to 10 foot deep water surrounding the home.
Air Station Port Angeles and Air Station Astoria aircrews each hoisted two survivors and transferred them to emergency medical services (EMS) at a nearby landing zone.
A Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65E Dolphin aircrew farrived on scene and deployed the rescue swimmer to the roof of a porch, where he was able to assist the survivors through a window in the second story attic. The Air Station Port Angeles MH-65E Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew rescued the first two survivors and transported them the landing zone while the rescue swimmer remained on the rooftop with the two remaining individuals.
The MH-65E aircrew responded to catastrophic flooding in northwestern Washington and transferred the survivors to a nearby landing zone for EMS care.
The rescue swimmer remained at the home during the initial hoists and was later recovered by an Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
U.S. Coast Guard Northwest.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
A Coast Guard Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew arrived immediately after, hoisted the remaining two individuals, and recovered the rescue swimmer. Both helicopters delivered the survivors to the landing zone for medical evaluation by EMS. There were no reported injuries.
“This is exactly why we train the way we do, day in and day out,” said Scott Giard, Coast Guard Northwest District Search and Rescue Program Manager. “When human lives are at risk, our crews stand ready to respond with skill and precision.”
As America’s premier maritime first responder, the Coast Guard continues to support federal, state, tribal, and local partners as flooding continues to impact Western Washington.
–USCG–
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The MH-60T aircrew responded to catastrophic flooding in northwestern Washington and transferred the survivors to a nearby landing zone for EMS care.
The rescue swimmer that remained at the home during the initial hoists, conducted by a Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles MH-65E Dolphin aircrew, was later recovered by the Air Station Astoria MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Columbia River.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Astoria.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Port Angeles.
U.S. Coast Guard Northwest.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
