A surfer caught in a rip current that dragged him out to sea was rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter crew Thursday.
The helicopter happened to be in the area of Indian Beach at Ecola State Park on a training mission when 36-year-old Aki Miyoshi was first reported to be in distress. The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was diverted at about 4 p.m.
Video from the Coast Guard helicopter showed crews using a basket to lower a diver, who eventually reached Miyoshi and placed him in the basket. Miyoshi was lifted to the helicopter and then taken to shore.
Rob Schultz, of the Cannon Beach Police Department, said they were initially worried about Miyoshi's body temperature.
"He's stable, mildly hypothermic," Schultz said. "They're going to be transporting him to the hospital in Seaside."
Paramedics used blankets and heat packs to warm Miyoshi's body while taking him to the hospital. He stayed conscious throughout the incident and is expected to make a full recovery.
Schultz said Miyoshi was about a quarter-mile west of the surf break. Indian Beach is located just north of Cannon Beach.
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