COAST GUARD RESCUES FOUR PEOPLE TRAPPED IN WASHINGTON HOME ATTIC DURING SEVERE FLOODING. (PHOTO).

Coast Guard rescues four people trapped in Washington home attic during severe flooding

  U.S. Coast Guard crews rescued four people who were forced into the attic of their northwest Washington home as rapidly rising floodwaters trapped them on Wednesday.

Aircrews searched the flooded area by helicopter until they located the home surrounded by eight to ten feet of water. Local responders from Whatcom County Fire District 14 and the U.S. Border Patrol were unable to reach the house due to the depth of the flooding, prompting Coast Guard teams from Air Station Port Angeles and Air Station Astoria to take over the operation.

Radio communications captured rescuers coordinating a two-phase evacuation plan, lifting two people to safety before returning for the remaining pair. When the helicopter arrived, the water had reached the base of the home’s roof. A rescue swimmer descended onto the roof, entered the attic through a window, and guided the first two survivors into a rescue basket that was hoisted into the aircraft.

The Port Angeles crew transported the first pair to a designated landing zone while the swimmer stayed behind. The Astoria crew then hoisted the remaining two individuals, along with the swimmer, shortly afterward.

Coast Guard officials praised the coordinated effort, noting that rigorous training prepares crews for moments like this when lives are in immediate danger. All four survivors were evaluated by EMS at the landing zone, and no injuries were reported.