Overturned kayaker rescued near Valdez

A U.S. Coast Guard small boat crew from Valdez rescued a 50-year-old man from an overturned kayak near Valdez on March 4 and transferred him to emergency medical services providers at a nearby pier.

The kayaker was transported to Valdez Medical Center, where he was treated for symptoms of hypothermia.

Weather on scene at the time was 23-mile-an-hour winds, one to two-foot seas and 10 miles of visibility.

The Coast Guard crew responded at mid-afternoon when a good Samaritan called to report the man sitting on top of an overturned kayak about 50-years from the Coast Guard station.

“Situations such as this one remind us why boating safety is critical, especially in Alaskan waters, no matter the size of the vessel involved,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Gunderson of Station Valdez. He credited the Good Samaritan for reporting the incident so that the Coast Guard could go to the rescue.

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