Two men saved from Strait
July 3rd, 2009 - 6:30am
(Joyce) -- Two out-of-town fisherman were plucked from the chilly waters of the Strait of Juan de Fuca west of Joyce yesterday.
71-year-old Elwood E. Mellis of Grapeview WA. and 68 year old David R. Selbig of Port Orchard WA were fishing near the mouth of the Lyre River in their 19 foot Aluminum boat. The weather changed, so they headed for shore at Whiskey Creek Beach when the boat took several waves over the bow. The boat filled with water and capsized putting both of them in the water.
Fellow fishing companions, Norm Olson and Pat Barry, spotted the capsized boat and rescued them from the water. Barry and Olson transported them to Whiskey Creek Beach. They radioed ahead to notify Medical staff from Fire District Four, who met them at the boat launch and transported the pair to Olympic Memorial Hospital for treatment of possible hypothermia.
Clallam County sheriff's department officials say the quick actions of Barry and Olson are credited with saving the lives of Selbig and Mellis as water temperatures of 48-50 degrees can cause severe hypothermia in a matter of minutes.
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