Astoria, Ore. – The Coast Guard rescued a mariner in distress about six miles west of the mouth of the Columbia River on Friday, Feb. 3, 2023, after the disabled 35-foot vessel Sandpiper was overturned by a breaking wave.

At 10 a.m., watchstanders at Sector Columbia River received an audible MAYDAY call on VHF marine-band radio channel 16. The transmission included no additional details, but responders established an approximate position through radio tower triangulation.

A Station Cape Disappointment crew aboard a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat and an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from the Advanced Rescue Helicopter School launched toward the emergency. Training crews from the National Motor Lifeboat School also diverted to assist. Coast Guard units reached the scene around 10:40 a.m.

Upon arrival, crews confirmed the vessel was taking on water. Sea conditions were reported at 20-foot waves with extremely high wind speeds.

A rescue swimmer, a student at the Advanced Helicopter Rescue School, was lowered into the water by winch cable and swam toward the boat. As he approached, a powerful breaking wave flipped the vessel, throwing the mariner into the water and causing minor injuries.

The swimmer recovered the mariner, and both were lifted into the helicopter using the winch cable.

The survivor was transported to Air Station Astoria and transferred to emergency medical personnel in stable condition.

Later, local authorities notified the Coast Guard that the mariner is suspected of stealing the vessel. The Astoria Police Department is leading the investigation.

The rescue marked the first life saved by Aviation Survival Technician 3rd Class John “Branch” Walton, who graduated from the Advanced Rescue Helicopter School with his classmates hours afterward.

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