DECEPTION PASS, Wash. – The U.S. Coast Guard and local agencies rescued more than 20 people from the water during an organized paddle craft event through Deception Pass Saturday morning.
There were about 75 participants in The Deception Pass Challenge when a number capsized in high winds at about 9:30 a.m.
Coast Guard Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier says the paddlers and kayakers were all pretty well prepared for the conditions.
“Wet-suits. Dry-suits. They had the proper safety gear on. Life-jackets and whistles and stuff like that,” said Strohmaier. “At least they were prepared. Thankfully we had two Coast Guard units there ready to respond.”
Sea and air rescue units responded from around Puget Sound including Coast Guard Station Bellingham.
No injuries were reported.