Maine Kayaker Saved By Coast Guard

BAILEYS MISTAKE, ME — A kayaker who flipped over in a remote section of Eastern Maine Sunday was rescued by the Coast Guard. The 66-year-old man, whose name was not released, radioed for help at about 4:20 p.m., according to the Coast Guard. (Subscribe to Augusta Patch news alerts for breaking Maine news. iPhone/iPad users: download the new Patch app.)

The Coast Guard launched a rescue boat out of Station Eastport and scooped up the kayaker, who was suffering from hypothermia.

Coast Guard officials said the man was well-prepared for the ordeal.

"He was wearing a dry suit that thermally protected him from the 44-degree water," the Coast Guard said in a statement. "He had a handheld marine radio, which he used to notify the Coast Guard. He activated a Personal Locator Beacon, directing rescuers to his position.

The kayaker made several good decisions that resulted in his rescue."

Added Coast Guard Captain Michael Baroody, "The only reason he's alive is because he prepared for the worst case scenario. He didn't know exactly where he was, but the beacon did. And that dry suit significantly boosted his survival time."

Photo: A map of Baileys Mistake. (Credit: Google Maps)