BLAINE, Wash. — First responders were dispatched Thursday, July 14th, about 7:55pm due to a report of 2 people on a paddle board drifting away from shore at Point Whitehorn.
Whatcom County Fire District 17 (WCFD17) responded with their marine rescue vessel (MR56) moored at the Sandy Point Marina. MR56’s availability is limited since it can only leave the marina during high tides.
Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) Division Chief Ben Boyko told Whatcom News a change in wind direction and speed began pushing the paddle board away from shore.
WCFD17 Fire Chief Jim Petrie told Whatcom News MR56 was able to rescue the 2 and bring them and their board back to shore where they were evaluated by WCFD7 medical crews.
Boyko said both were assessed and released at the scene.
If the canal at Sandy Point was dredged, like it should have been a decade ago, rescues could happen even in low tide situations.