FORKS, WASH. – A Sequim died Thursday after somehow being dislodged from his kayak in the Strait of Juan De Fuca.
Clallam County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched around 11:00am to the report of a kayaking accident near mile post four along highway 112 at Neah Bay.
They arrived to learn that an on-duty Neah Bay police officer had seen 69-year-old Arthur James struggling in the water outside of his kayak. The officer waded into the water and was able to retrieve the kayak and use it to bring James to shore.
The officer performed CPR on James until a Coast Guard helicopter crew arrived and transported him to Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles.
Hospital staff continued lifesaving efforts but were unable to save the James’ life.
The Sheriff’s Office reports there is no evidence of foul play.
The Clallam County Coroner has jurisdiction in the case and the medical examiner will attempt to determine cause of death.