Kirkland Firefighters were first to arrive on the scene of a capsized sailboat about 400 yards off shore in Yarrow Bay Thursday evening at approximately 8 p.m. The firefighters found two victims in the water hanging onto the side of the craft.

Rough waters and high winds prohibited firefighters from entering the water to perform a swimming rescue. Kirkland’s new rescue watercraft was deployed and, together with a nearby boater in a 16 foot Alumicraft, firefighters quickly reached the victims.

Mercer Island police arrived on the scene while the recovery was in process. The two rescued boaters were transported to the dock at the Woodmark Hotel where they were evaluated by Kirkland Firefighters and transferred to Evergreen Hospital Medical Center for hypothermia. Both were treated and released later that evening.

Mercer Island Police towed the capsized vessel to the shore at Houghton Beach Park and secured the vessel with the assistance of Kirkland Firefighters. King County Marine arrived on scene to assist in the procedure.

Incident Command, Lt. Joel Bodenman, said in an emailed report to Kirkland Fire Chief Joseph Sanford that all crews performed their duties seamlessly and it was great to see the professionalism and efficiency of all personnel involved in the rescue.

It was apparent that all the training and resources invested in Kirkland’s firefighters is making a difference and saving lives in our community.