Overview
- Newly released Coast Guard video documents a Dec. 10 helicopter rescue of four people who had retreated to an attic in Sumas, Washington.
- Floodwaters of roughly 8–10 feet surrounded the home, preventing Whatcom County Fire District 14 and the U.S. Border Patrol from reaching the residents by land.
- Air Stations Port Angeles and Astoria coordinated the operation, rappelling a rescue swimmer to the roof before hoisting two survivors each in separate lifts.
- All four were flown to a landing zone for EMS evaluation, and the Coast Guard reported no injuries connected to the rescue.
- As the flooding continues statewide, the governor has declared an emergency, tens of thousands have evacuated, and officials issued Skagit River floodplain “go now” orders on Wednesday and evacuation orders for Burlington on Friday.