Astoria Coast Guard helicopter crew rescues man trapped in Washington swampy marsh

SEATTLE (KTVZ) – A Coast Guard MH-60 helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Oregon, rescued a man trapped in a swampy marsh South of Olympia, Washington, earlier this week.  

Watchstanders at Coast Guard Northwest District Command Center were contacted Tuesday by Thurston County Dispatch who requested assistance in rescuing a man who became stuck in a marsh wetland in Plumb, Washington. 

The Coast Guard helicopter crew safely hoisted the individual in distress and transported him to Olympia Regional Airport to await emergency medical services. 

According to local authorities, the man had become separated from his watercraft the previous evening, spending over six hours trapped in the marsh wetland. Local rescue teams were unable to reach the survivor due to the unstable geographical nature of the area. 

“We train daily to remain prepared to provide our unique capabilities to the American public,” said Cmdr. Amanda Denning, executive officer of Coast Guard Air Station Astoria. “In this case, we were proud to partner with local first responders to complete this mission. This could not have been completed safely without the efforts from each agency involved.”