U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Astoria, Ore., died following injuries sustained during a rescue operation offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard)
SEATTLE — A Coast Guard rescue swimmer died Thursday from injuries sustained during a helicopter rescue operation off the coast of Washington on Feb. 27, the service reported Friday.
Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician, was part of an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew responding to a medical emergency aboard the commercial motor vessel Momi Arrow, about 120 nautical miles west of Cape Flattery, Wash.
Jaggers was transported to Victoria General Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia, for initial treatment. He was transferred to Madigan Army Medical Center at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma, Wash.
During a ceremony attended by his family and fellow crew members from Air Station Astoria, Ore., the Coast Guard recognized Jaggers’ courage with a meritorious promotion to Petty Officer Second Class.
U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer 2nd Class Tyler Jaggers, an aviation survival technician assigned to Air Station Astoria, Ore., died following injuries sustained during a rescue operation offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard)
Jaggers was also awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of the highest military awards, for heroism during aerial flight.
“Aviation Survival Technician Jaggers represented the very best of our Service and the Aviation Rescue Swimmer community,” said Adm. Kevin Lunday, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard. “He demonstrated extraordinary heroism in the face of danger, upholding the highest standards of courage and excellence for Coast Guard operations. We honor his selfless actions and unwavering devotion to our highest calling: to save others. His family has our deepest condolences and steadfast support, and we continue to honor their privacy during this very difficult time.”
Jaggers joined the Coast Guard in January 2022 and had served at Air Station Astoria since April 2024. He had previously been recognized for superior performance while a crew member aboard U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Legare during operations in the Caribbean Sea.
The Coast Guard is conducting an investigation into the cause of injuries during the rescue and said it would release additional information when available.
The U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers group posted an Instagram message in response: “Our brother put his life on the line for someone he had never met, as Coast Guard aircrews and rescue swimmers have done thousands of times before, answering the call so that he and his crew could save a stranger’s life. Unfortunately, Tyler lost his in the process. He gave his life in the purest act of service: trying to save another.”
