Two hikers rescued by U.S. Coast Guard on Vancouver Island

VANCOUVER ISLAND, B.C. — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two injured hikers on Saturday.

According to the Coast Guard, rescuers aboard a Port Angeles-based MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew hosted two men who were suffering from broken ankles. One of the men also had head trauma. They were transported to the coast guard base in Victoria where they received medical attention.

The two men were hiking near Juan de Fuca Provincial Park when the 65-year-old man slipped and was injured. The other hiker, a 25-year-old man, was attempting to get help when he also slipped and was injured, according to the Coast Guard.

Personnel at the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Victoria had sent a request to the Coast Guard 13th District Command Center in Seattle for the assistance of a helicopter crew to transport the injured men.

Don Knesebeck, a search and rescue coordinator at the 13th District Command Center said, "We have a strong partnership with our Canadian neighbors and in rescue situations we often work together to get the right people and equipment on scene to ensure the safety of the public and mariners."

KIRO