A dramatic rescue operation took place off the coast of Victoria over the weekend, as three individuals and their canine companion were saved from a sinking vessel.
The incident unfolded on Friday, June 30th, approximately two miles south of Victoria, prompting a swift response from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) and the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
The distress call came in at around 7 p.m., with the Canadian Coast Guard receiving the urgent message from the vessel.
The 40-foot boat had encountered a perilous situation, taking on water and eventually sinking. On board were two teenage girls, an adult woman, and a dog.
#BREAKING (1/2) Last night around 7 pm, a #USCG aircrew from Port Angeles rescued 2 teenage females and 1 adult woman from a dinghy in the Salish Sea about 2 miles south of Victoria, B.C., The 40-foot vessel they were aboard took on water and quickly sank… pic.twitter.com/DWxWTDg5gj
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) July 1, 2023
Fortunately, the US Coast Guard had a helicopter already airborne in the vicinity, allowing for a rapid deployment to the scene.
The aircrew from Port Angeles located a partially submerged dinghy with three individuals and a dog desperately clinging to it. The 13-year-old, 15-year-old, and adult were quickly rescued from the dinghy.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard vessel sprang into action to save the dog, ensuring that even the four-legged member of the group made it to safety.
While the trio were not dressed for the conditions, they were wearing life jackets, which played a crucial role in their survival.
Following the rescue, all three individuals were showing severe symptoms of hypothermia and were quickly transported to Victoria General Hospital.
(2/2) The women were showing signs of hypothermia and brought to Victoria General Hospital. #USCG crews were alerted to the incident by @VicJRCC_CCCOS and were assisted by their crews. Weather on scene was reported to be winds of 23 mph and 5ft seas. @PenDailyNews
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) July 1, 2023
According to the coast guard, the group, from the US, had departed from Seattle but it was unclear where they were heading and what caused the vessel to sink.
