A routine evening on Hagg Lake took an unexpected turn when a sailboat capsized, leading to a rescue operation for two individuals and their canine companion. KOIN reports that the Gaston Rural Fire District and Washington County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the scene around 7 p.m., after receiving a distress call. The responders quickly located the 25-foot vessel overturned in the waters, situated roughly midway between the Eagle Point boat ramp and the dam.
The rescue operation took a collaborative twist as the first responders had to quickly learn to right a capsized sailboat—a first for many of them. "Then the real work began," a spokesperson for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office stated, according to KATU. They detailed that the boat's 25-foot mast made it particularly challenging to both tow and right, but with guidance from the sailboat's owner, they managed to use "a lot of ropes and energy" to return the craft to an upright position.
Officials revealed that the two occupants and their dog were found perched upon the overturned hull, awaiting rescue. KGW shared that sheriff's deputies reached the capsized vessel by boat and safely ferried the soaked—but unharmed—party back to shore. The individuals were reported to be cold following the incident, but fortunately did not sustain any injuries.
Despite the unforeseen challenge, the combined efforts of the Gaston fire department and sheriff's deputies ensured a successful conclusion to the incident. The teamwork resulted in the rescue of the individuals and their dog, as well as the salvage of the sailboat, which emerged with very little damage. This incident underscores the unpredictable nature of watercraft activities and the critical importance of emergency services in our communities, capable to quickly adapt to any situation at hand.
