BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) – Marine rescue teams, including a boat from Coast Guard station Bellingham, rescued more than 20 paddlers caught off guard and capsized by winds during the paddle and rowing race Deception Pass Challenge.

The Coast Guard received reports around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday that several kayakers and paddleboarders capsized while racing through Deception Pass, the Coast Guard said in a statement Monday. No injuries were reported, reported the Bellingham Herald.

Callers estimated that 15 to 20 of the 75 runners had capsized and were in the water due to high winds, the statement said. Many more needed help returning to shore.

Coast guard Adelie was already nearby when the call arrived, the statement said. Adélie’s crew recovered five people from the water and helped 20 kayakers to safety, the statement said. Coast Guard Sea Lion recovered two people from the water and helped 10 others to safety.

Captain Patrick Hilbert, Coast Guard Sector Commander Puget Sound, said the incident “reinforces the importance of wearing a life jacket and constantly assessing the increased risks posed by changing weather and water conditions. constantly here in the Pacific Northwest “.