Astoria Coast Guard helicopter rescues flood victims in Washington
Published 12:44 pm Friday, December 12, 2025
The Astorian staff
SUMAS, Wash. — On Wednesday Dec. 10, Coast Guard aircrews from Astoria and Port Angeles rescued four people from a flooded home in Sumas, Washington after first responders could not reach them by land.
According to a Coast Guard press release, the Coast Guard was called in to assist after U.S. Border Patrol and local firefighters were unable to rescue the four occupants of the house. The survivors were forced into the attic by the rising flood waters which were up to 10 feet deep.
Two helicopters from air stations in Port Angeles and Astoria were dispatched and able to rescue the four occupants.
Once on the scene, the Port Angeles aircrew lowered a rescue swimmer to assist two occupants into hoists. The Astoria-based helicopter then arrived to rescue the remaining two occupants and recover the rescue swimmer.
The helicopters ferried the survivors to a nearby landing zone where they were handed off to local emergency medical services.
The occupants were assessed and reported no injuries.
“When human lives are at risk, our crews stand ready to respond with skill and precision,” said Scott Giard, the Coast Guard’s northwest district search and rescue program manager.
