SAULT SAINT MARIE, Mich. (Sept. 15)–The Coast Guard Cutter Katmai Bay (WTGB 101) is tied to the pier at Group Sault Saint Marie, Michigan. USCG photo by PA1 Harry C. Craft III
(GRAND HAVEN)-A Coastie assigned to the Katmai Bay saved a 97-year-old man from drowning on Tuesday afternoon during the Coast Guard Festival.
The man fell over six feet into the Grand River after losing his balance while resting on his walker near the cutter.
Seaman Joseph Turk jumped into the river and kept the man afloat by treading water for over 20 minutes while crews worked to dispatch rescue equipment.
The man was successfully removed from the water and taken for treatment at a local hospital.
Ironically, Turk had just drilled on surface rescue swimmer training a few days ago.
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