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It turned out to be a star-spangled night after all for Cannon Beach firefighter Koa Lyu who, shortly before an awards ceremony at which he would be promoted to a lieutenant, rescued a teenager from a wild and stormy sea yesterday evening.
The Fire District received a call at 5.30 p.m. that surprised Lyu and his colleagues because they never expected anyone to venture out to sea in January.
Changed from a Dress Suit to a Wet Suit
Lya changed out of his dress suit and into a wet suit, and the firefighters rushed to Cannon Beach where the teenager’s distraught family gathered.
Lyu said the sea was wild with 10-ft. Waves crashing to shore. He and a colleague took to their surfboards and ventured into the ocean to find the missing teenager. Meanwhile, firefighters summoned the U.S. Marine Coast Guard helicopter and drove their vehicles onto the beach to shine headlights into the dark, murky, waters.
Before entering the water, Lyu and his colleague tested the direction of the current by standing waist-deep in the waves. After a few minutes in the water, Lyu heard the 19-year-old shouting for help. Paddling towards the sound of the call, Lyu caught sight of the youngster.
Youngster was Struggling to Hang Onto his Surfboard
Lyu said the youngster struggled to hang onto his board after an exhausting fight to stay alive. The fireman said the youngster told him he thought he was going to die.
They were about 75 yards from the shore.
Lyu transferred the teenager onto his rescue board and paddled him ashore to safety. He was taken by hospital in an ambulance that was on standby. After treatment, the boy was released. His name has not been disclosed.
Lyu (37), who spent the early part of his career gaining lifeguarding and water-rescue experience in Hawaii, changed back into his dress uniform and attended the ceremony where he was promoted to lieutenant.
Lieutenant Lyu serves as ocean safety division head of the Cannon Beach Rural Fire District.
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