STANWOOD — Two windsurfers were rescued in good health after being reported missing in Port Susan during windy conditions Sunday afternoon.
Dispatchers received the first call around 1:45 p.m.
Two other windsurfers had contacted a ranger at Snohomish County’s Kayak Point Regional Park to report the other two had not returned to shore, Snohomish County sheriff’s Lt. Jeff Brand said. The sheriff’s office, North County Regional Fire Authority, the Tulalip Police Department and the U.S. Coast Guard responded.
One surfer was hoisted from the water by a helicopter crew from Port Angeles, Petty Officer Amanda Norcross said. The helicopter crew spotted the second surfer clinging to his board and guided a fire department boat to him.
One of the rescued men told the Coast Guard crews that heavy winds prevented him from getting to shore and exhaustion left him unable to lift the sails, according to a press release. A gale warning had been in effect for Puget Sound, with waves up to 4 feet and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Neither rescued windsurfer required additional medical attention, Brand said. Their ages and hometowns were unavailable.
Rescue efforts concluded around 3:25 p.m.
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