Tributes pour in for injured Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer

CANNON BEACH, Ore. (KATU) — Cannon Beach Fire posted a tribute Wednesday on social media to injured rescue swimmer Tyler Jaggers of Air Station Astoria.

PAST COVERAGE | Reports: Coast Guard Swimmer at Air Station Astoria significantly injured

The submit mentioned, partially, “We work side by side with the Coast Guard on complex rescues and demanding missions. Tyler attended multi-agency trainings with us and spent time at our station developing skills that reflect his commitment to service. He represented the very best of what it means to answer the call to help others. To the Jaggers family, our hearts are with you.”

Retired rescue swimmer Rick McElrath, who’s president of the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association, spoke with KATU on Wednesday.

He mentioned their job goes far past merely rescuing individuals.

“They maintain all of the equipment. They are all EMTs and paramedics. It’s quite the load for them to carry,” McElrath mentioned. “We’ve also developed a mountain and wilderness program. They are doing everything. When you respond to a call, it’s never what you expect. It’s quite frankly usually worse than what you are expecting. When something happens like that with Tyler, it gets to you. We are tight.”

The Coast Guard confirmed to KATU that Jaggers was transported Tuesday to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

According to posts from the Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer Association, Jaggers was concerned in a tragic accident and is on life assist.

The Coast Guard has not formally recognized Jaggers however confirmed a crew member was injured whereas responding to a medevac request for a stroke sufferer on a ship off the coast of Cape Flattery, Washington.

The crew member was taken to a hospital in British Columbia earlier than being transferred to Washington state.