Rescue training in action: A ferry crew member's account of saving 2 lives

 By Second Mate James Kuijper

It is with great relief and professional pride that I am pleased to submit the following report. It's a firsthand account on the rescue of two young canoeists west of Blake Island.

Around 8:30 p.m. Friday, June 13, during our second westbound trip to Bremerton, the Walla Walla got a radio call from the U.S. Coast Guard. They asked us to help rescue people in the water after their canoe flipped over.

The captain and chief mate told the crew we would be changing course to respond. They also said we’ll probably need to launch a rescue boat. Our crew quickly got ready. They prepared the rescue boat and gathered emergency supplies like an AED, oxygen, warm jackets, thermal blankets and a trauma kit.

Some passengers with medical training offered to help. We made a plan to treat the victims for hypothermia while heading toward the area where they were last seen.

The crew aboard Walla Walla quickly diverted course to assist in the rescue of two people near Blake Island on the evening of June 13. The successful response – fueled by expert training, quick coordination and help from skilled passengers – turned a dangerous situation into a life-saving mission. 

Once we saw the canoeists, the captain stopped the ferry. We launched our rescue boat with two crew members (coxswain and lookout) aboard. I gave them instructions about where to look and told them to make sure everyone in the water was rescued.

The engine room oilers helped launch the rescue boat and turned on the boilers to warm the passenger cabin. Three deckhands (two ordinary seamen and an able-bodied seaman) prepared the rescue boat for launch and set up a treatment area in the second mate’s office. I also explained our hypothermia treatment plan to the medical volunteers.

The young men were swiftly and skillfully pulled from the cold water quickly and carefully. They were wrapped in emergency blankets and firefighter jackets in the rescue boat.

Once back on board, they were bundled up again in firefighter gear. We placed hot packs next to their bodies to raise their core temperatures. They kept shivering uncontrollably until emergency medical services took them ashore in Bremerton. They were awake, responsive and thankful – though a bit embarrassed.

Two passengers helped by offering hot chocolate and snacks from the galley. I want to thank them and also recognize the great support we got from several medical volunteers. These included five doctors, a nurse practitioner, a nurse and some therapists who all helped treat the patients.

Thanks to our planning, equipment, teamwork, training and practice, our crew stayed calm and handled the situation like pros. This was our third rescue this season! We’re thankful for this positive outcome. Good results come not just from luck, but from preparation and training.