Coastguard Assists with Water Rescue

The Coast Guard Cutter Cap Nord was in the right place at the right time for a sailboarder in distress this afternoon.

The call went out to the Pugwash Fire Department (PFD) about 2 pm. A number of firefighters and EMS personnel responded to the scene along Norm Green Trail near Heather's Beach. The PFD dispatched a Seadoo and a boat from Pugwash to rescue a man who was blown a few kilometres offshore and drifting quickly toward Northport.

Johnathon Mundle, aboard the Seadoo, was the first to reach the man, to secure him and the sailboard. Two firefighters aboard Darren Clark's boat quickly followed to provide assistance. But, the cavalry was also on the way.

The Coast Guard cutter, which was part of the HarbourFest celebration, was called out from Pugwash Harbour. Once on the scene, the Cap Nord picked up the sailboard, the very tired sailor, and returned to the wharf in Pugwash to a waiting ambulance.

The water was fairly calm, but the offshore winds were strong and can be very challenging, especially for light sailing or paddling vessels. Wind conditions have been particularly hazardous this week, with three other close calls in the waters of the Northumberland Strait.

Organizers of HarbourFest were delighted to have the Cap Nord as part of the waterfront festivities, but nobody expected them to be called into duty to display their skills. While harbour watchers could not have seen all the players in this water rescue, they certainly heard the sirens in response, indicating how first responders work as a team when called to an emergency.