State patrol rescues man from boat at Point Hudson

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A Washington State Patrol trooper rescued a man from a sailboat that ran aground at Point Hudson Feb. 20, according to a news release. The release stated that a 40-year-old man had taken his 30-foot sailboat out for its maiden voyage when it ran aground on a sandbar. Around 8 p.m. the sailboat was reported in distress and Port Townsend Police Department, East Jefferson County Fire Rescue units responded, observing the sailboat about 150 yards from shore leaning on its side with sails partially in the water. Responders observed the man aboard and called out to him, but received no response. WSP Trooper Jamieson Hodgson waded into the knee deep water to contact the man on the vessel and found him wet, partially clothed and shivering inside the cabin, the news release stated. The man reported to Hodgson that he had tried to make it to shore in a dingy, but it capsized, causing him to fall into the water. He then climbed back onto the sailboat where he remained until contacted by responders. Hodgson secured the vessel and escorted the man back to shore, where he was evaluated by aid crews, who later provided a courtesy ride to the American Legion.