Update: Astoria Coast Guard rescue swimmer injured in a ‘tragic incident’ a week ago has died
(Update: Adding photo, info from Coast Guard)
By John Tanet, Alex Jensen, KGW
ASTORIA, Ore. (KGW) — Tyler Jaggers, the Coast Guard rescue swimmer who was injured in a "tragic incident" last Friday has died, the Cowlitz County Search and Rescue reported.
"Tyler has passed from injuries sustained during an attempted medical evacuation of a stroke victim by helicopter from a cargo ship over 125 miles off Cape Flattery, WA on February 27, 2026," Cowlitz County Search and Rescue posted on social media.
The Cowlitz County Search and Rescue expressed its "deepest condolences" to Jaggers' family, shipmates and loved ones.
The as-of-now unspecified injury happened Friday, Feb. 27 while a Coast Guard aircrew was responding to a medical evacuation request aboard a boat off the coast of Cape Flattery. Jaggers was reportedly rushed to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
"Tyler is our Brother. He answered a calling that few possess the courage, the strength, or the heart to pursue," the Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Association said following the accident. "As a United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, Tyler has dedicated his life to the service of others, training relentlessly, deploying fearlessly, and living the sacred oath of our community: So Others May Live."
The Coast Guard provided this updated news release Friday afternoon:
Coast Guard announces passing of Petty Officer Tyler Jaggers following rescue operation injury
SEATTLE – Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Astoria, Oregon, passed away the evening of March 5, 2026, as a result of critical injuries suffered during the rescue of a distressed mariner from a commercial ship offshore of Oregon on Feb. 27.
As part of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Astoria, Jaggers was injured while responding to a medical emergency aboard the commercial motor vessel Momi Arrow, located approximately 120 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Washington.
Following the incident, Jaggers was transported to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, for initial treatment. He was subsequently transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Washington.
During a ceremony attended by his family and fellow crew members from Air Station Astoria, the Coast Guard recognized Jaggers’ remarkable courage by meritorious advancement to Petty Officer Second Class and award of the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the highest military awards for heroism during aerial flight. He succumbed to his injuries and passed away shortly after.
“Aviation Survival Technician Jaggers represented the very best of our Service and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community,” said Admiral Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. “He demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of danger, upholding the highest standards of courage and excellence for Coast Guard operations.
"We honor his selfless actions and unwavering devotion to our highest calling: to save others. His family has our deepest condolences and steadfast support, and we continue to honor their privacy during this very difficult time.”
Jaggers joined the Coast Guard in January 2022 and served at Air Station Astoria since April 2024. He had previously been recognized for superior performance by the Secretary of Homeland Security while assigned as a crew member aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare during operations in the Caribbean Sea.
The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the cause of AST2 Jaggers’s injuries during the rescue, and will release additional information as it becomes available.
