Donald J. Blyth helped to save Terry P. Hawkins and four others from drowning, Neah Bay, Washington, August 24, 1969. In a severe squall in the Pacific Ocean, an American fishing vessel capsized, putting Hawkins, 31, deck hand, and the other four men aboard into very rough water, where they clung to the overturned boat. Blyth, 18, deck hand, and his father were operating a Canadian fishing vessel in the area and spotted the capsized craft. With their vessel turned into the storm, they proceeded toward the American boat despite strong winds and high swells. The Canadian vessel was awash to the wheelhouse windows with each swell as it maneuvered to within 300 feet of the American craft. Hawkins and the others left the overturned boat and swam toward the Canadian vessel, which was pitching and rolling. A life ring was thrown to Hawkins, who was pulled to the vessel by Blyth and his father. With the next swell, they lifted Hawkins into the boat. Blyth and his father then took each of the other four men aboard. As the storm continued, the Canadian boat turned and proceeded to shore, the 14 mile trip requiring about two hours due to the severe conditions.
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