— by Lin McNulty —
Overturned canoe recovered by Coast Guard.
On Friday, July 29, at 6:28 a.m., OIFR units were dispatched to a report of an overturned canoe north of Camp Orkila.
At the time of the call, it was believed that the boaters may have been in the water for as long as 20 minutes. A US Coast Guard helicopter was also immediately dispatched.
Upon arrival, OIFR units were not able to locate the vessel or the victims. The location was then updated as north of West Beach Resort.
Nine canoeists from Four Winds Camp, including seven juveniles, were located and brought to West Beach by two separate, private boats. It was believed they had been in the water for approximately 30 minutes.
When they started taking on water, the campers used their onboard satellite phone and air horn to call for help.
Units from Orcas Fire treated the canoeists at West Beach Resort, where they had been transported. They were shivering and wrapped in blankets. They were evaluated by the EMS crew, warmed up, and released to the Four Winds camp director.
The Coast Guard unit recovered the canoe and brought it back to the dock.
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Nice job team!
Many thanks to Orcas Fire and Rescue, West Beach Resort, Outer Island Expeditions, the Coast Guard, and the many good Samaritans who helped with this incident this morning.
All campers and staff are safe, back at Camp, and in good spirits. It’s a comfort to know we live in a community is so willing to help, and has the resources necessary for when a day turns south.
Best ending. Yet great stories to be told. Be prepared stories by staff . . . And for the next generation, and grandpa stories to the next generation. Thank you private boaters and USCG.
As I read the article on this avoided tragedy, I wonder at the apparent SEVEN youngsters and two adults in a single canoe. Am I correct, and if so, how is that a safe situation? AND the canoe was on an isolated stretch of the western side of Orcas, five miles from Four Winds. Any comments??
We have called for Coast Guard rescue for boatloads of kids from the camps….I wonder how they do it… Merry
Ed – The canoe in question is 30 feet long, designed for groups of that size. We’re not talking about a standard, two person canoe. They’ve been plying these waters for 90 years. I do appreciate your concern.
I should also note to any Four Winds parents that might be reading this – I’ve spoken with the parents of all the campers involved. If you haven’t heard from me, your child wasn’t involved.
Gotta be a top 10 camp story for all of these kids for years to come! A good ending- and as Rick said above, generations of campers will be born of this story.
As the parent of one of the campers involved, I want express my most sincere gratitude to all of those involved in this rescue. And I’m guessing my son has now realized why I am so adamant that he wear his life jacket any time we are out on the water!
As a grandparent of one of the campers, I echo Jenni’s gratitude. Glad to hear all are safe – what a story!
I hope this inspires better practices at Four Winds. This could easily have had a tragic ending. As a parent of a former camper, I can say I was shocked at being told (after the fact) that they paddled canoes to Sucia with no understanding of the tides and no safety boat. There is no reason for not having a pick-up boat making sure there is assistance readily available at all times.
Ken – I’m not sure what you’re referring to, but your understanding of our practices is incorrect. Sucia was not part of this trip’s plan, and our trip leaders are well trained in tides and currents. Please call me if you have concerns.
Credit is due to Lupe and Roy Ruiz for hearing the horn, spotting the campers off West Beach Resort, mustering the first boat to the rescue, and having blankets ready when the campers came ashore.