Orcas Island Fire and Rescue, the U.S. Coast Guard, Customs and Border Patrol, YMCA Camp Orkila, Washington State Parks and Outer Island Excursions responded to an emergency call at 9:40 a.m. reporting five kayakers in the water south of Sucia Island on Sunday, Aug. 21.

The group of kayakers encountered rough seas and one person had fallen out of their boat. Four people in the group made it back to Sucia Island and one was rescued from the water by a passing sailing vessel. The M/V Blackfish Express from Outer Island Excursions and the State Parks Boat, both with Orcas Fire Rescue personnel on board, found the four that had made it back to shore. The M/V Blackfish Express then transported the group and their belongings back to Orcas Island where one of the kayakers was treated for minor injuries.

While en-route to the rescue a second group of four kayakers in distress were encountered between Orcas and Sucia Island. They were being assisted by a private vessel which was unable to bring the kayakers on board. The M/V Blackfish 3 from Outer Island Expeditions and the M/V Whalefish from YMCA Camp Orkila assisted the kayakers and delivered them safely to shore at Brandt’s Landing.

OIFR established a Marine Technical Recuse Division in 2015. In cooperation with YMCA Camp Orkila, Outer Island Excursions, the San Juan County Sheriff’s Department, selected private boat owners and the U.S. Coast Guard. OIFR is able to respond to emergency medical calls on remote shorelines of Orcas Island and to outer islands by request from other San Juan County agencies. In the event OIFR responds to outer islands, paramedic service will always be maintained on Orcas Island.

This is the sixth marine rescue in 2016. Thirty OIFR members are part of the Marine Technical Rescue Division under the leadership of Battalion Chief Bryce Hamilton.