Police Officer Rescues Family Before Large Wave Topples Car in Ocean Shores, Washington

Carolyn Williams
Published: April 22,2015


 

Photo Credit: Ocean Shores Police Department

A police officer became a hero when he rescued a family just before their car was toppled by a large wave on West Chance a La Mer Beach, Washington, last Thursday.
Officer Kyle Watson of Ocean Shores police arrived on scene just two minutes after Grays Harbor 911 received a call describing a vehicle stuck in the surf with a woman and infant trapped inside, KBKW radio reported.
Watson forced the vehicle door open, allowing the remaining occupants to evacuate the sinking car, according to an Ocean Shores Police press release. He helped the woman and 6-month-old baby move further up shore while the male driver got out behind them.
(MORE: Massive Waves Cause Electric Explosion in Wells, Maine) 
After the occupants and officer moved about 20 feet from the vehicle, a large wave washed ashore, lifting the vehicle and overturning it on its roof, according to the Seattle Times.
The driver said the family was driving when they stopped to observe the water, police said, causing the vehicle's tires to sink in the sand. One of the passengers was able to vacate the vehicle before waves began pounding the car.
No injuries were reported after Ocean Shores Fire Department paramedics examined the family of four. A bulldozer and tow truck flipped and cleared the car.
MORE: Dangerous Waves - The Pipeline