A helicopter borne Coast Guard aircrew rescued two people Thursday after their kayaks capsized near White Island southeast of Boothbay Harbor.
According to the Coast Guard, a call was received at around 2:30 p.m. from one of the kayakers reporting that she and a fellow kayaker had capsized, but were able to make it to a nearby island.
A Coast Guard 29-foot rescue boat crew from Station Boothbay Harbor was already in the area conducting training exercises and was diverted to assist. However, due to the terrain and shallow water around the island, the boat crew was unable to pick up the kayakers.
“There are a lot of submerged, jagged rocks in the area and a strong surge,” said Chief Petty Officer William Armstrong, the officer in charge of Station Boothbay Harbor.
With evacuation via water ruled out, a MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter and aircrew were launched from Air Station Cape Cod at around 3:30 p.m., according to the Coast Guard. The helicopter arrived on scene at around 5:22 p.m. and completed the hoist of the two kayakers at 5:29 p.m., according to the Coast Guard.
After safely bringing both individuals aboard, the aircrew flew them to Brunswick Airport. The kayakers were medically evaluated by the aircrew and had no injuries., according to the Coast Guard.
