Coast Guard Saves Lives During Widespread Washington Flooding
On Wednesday, December 10, four residents in Sumas, Washington were forced into their attic as floodwater up to ten feet deep surrounded their home.
On Friday, December 12, an Air Station Astoria crew rescued two hunters stranded at a remote cabin in the Suiattle River Valley near Mansford, Washington. A rescue swimmer was lowered to the area, and both hunters were lifted to safety and transported to a local airport where they were reunited with their families.
“This is exactly why we train the way we do, day in and day out,” said Scott Giard, Coast Guard Northwest District search and rescue program manager, in a Coast Guard news release. “When human lives are at risk, our crews stand ready to respond with skill and precision.”
As flooding continues to impact communities across Western Washington, the Coast Guard remains actively engaged alongside federal, state, tribal, and local partners to support response and rescue efforts.
Coast Guard members and their families impacted by the storm and flooding may be eligible for Coast Guard Foundation emergency disaster relief grants. These grants provide critical financial assistance to help members recover and begin rebuilding after a natural disaster, supporting urgent needs such as temporary housing, essential repairs, and insurance deductibles.
“Being there for our members in moments of great need is at the heart of our mission,” said Susan Ludwig, president of the Coast Guard Foundation. “Our emergency disaster relief grants provide immediate support so families can focus on recovery and moving forward.”
The Coast Guard Foundation partners with the Chief Petty Officers Association to administer the program, working together to raise awareness and assist with applications review.