Below is a Facebook video link of a Coast Guard rescue swimmer deployed from a helicopter swimming to two paddlers clinging to a swamped tandem canoe in the ocean off Hilton Head, South Carolina. This shows how dangerous it is to go far from shore in waves and wind in an open canoe. I have no idea how or who notified the Coast Guard of the emergency situation.
From the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Facebook page:
"Air Station #Savannah saved two lives after a canoe capsized in Port Royal Sound north of #hiltonheadisland, Friday.
The MH-65D arrived on scene and located the two individuals clinging to their capsized canoe in high winds and rough seas.
Fortunately, both survivors were wearing life vests which largely contributed to their survival.
"The survivors were wearing appropriate life vests, which largely contributed to their survival in cold water temperatures. The aircrew acted quickly, decisively and worked as a cohesive team to hoist the survivors from their capsized canoe in the center of Port Royal Sound. Both survivors were flown to Hilton Head Airport where EMS was on standby.” -LTJG Jeff Batchelder
From the U.S. Coast Guard Southeast Facebook page:
"Air Station #Savannah saved two lives after a canoe capsized in Port Royal Sound north of #hiltonheadisland, Friday.
The MH-65D arrived on scene and located the two individuals clinging to their capsized canoe in high winds and rough seas.
Fortunately, both survivors were wearing life vests which largely contributed to their survival.
"The survivors were wearing appropriate life vests, which largely contributed to their survival in cold water temperatures. The aircrew acted quickly, decisively and worked as a cohesive team to hoist the survivors from their capsized canoe in the center of Port Royal Sound. Both survivors were flown to Hilton Head Airport where EMS was on standby.” -LTJG Jeff Batchelder
