Coast Guard Rescues 4 Injured Workers Who Fell Into Empty Water Tower In Washington

Four workers were injured after falling some 60 feet when the roof of an empty water tower collapsed in Washington on Wednesday, officials said.

The workers were on the roof of the new water tower in Taholah, within the Quinault Indian Nation reservation, when it gave way shortly before 2:30 p.m. Wednesday. They fell about 60 feet into the empty tank, and one of the workers reportedly became stuck in wet concrete.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the Quinault Fire Department requested their assistance in the rescue due to the height of the tower and limited access for ground crews.

An Air Station Astoria MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew responded to the scene and deployed two rescue swimmers into the tank to prepare the workers to be hoisted to safety. A video shared by the Coast Guard shows the workers being hoisted to the helicopter.

The men were transported to awaiting emergency medical services at the scene. Two of the workers, who were reportedly critically injured, were life-flighted to Harborview Medical Center, while the other two workers, who had less severe injuries, were transported to another hospital.

“The Coast Guard delivers unique rescue capabilities unmatched in service to the United States and its citizens,” said Cmdr. Neal Corbin, commanding officer of Air Station Astoria. “Our crews are highly trained and proficient in coastal cliff rescue operations, and we are proud to assist the Quinault Nation in this challenging mission. Our thoughts are with all those affected, and we wish everyone a swift and full recovery.”