Astoria, Oregon - The Coast Guard rescued a boater from great distress after a maneuverless yacht drifted offshore amid with a violent storm, leading a young lifeguard to risk everything to save the man.

During a training mission in the Pacific Ocean near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon, it was suddenly a matter of life and death on Friday.

As the Coast Guard explained on Twitter, two helicopter crews received a distress call from the captain of the motor yacht Sandpiper. His ship wasn't maneuverable and was simply drifting in the water, the skipper radioed. In addition, a violent storm was approaching, endangering the life of the sailor.

The coastguards did not hesitate to respond and immediately flew their helicopters to the presumed position of the Sandpiper. At the same time, other rescuers set off to help with ships of their own.

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When the helicopters found the yacht, it quickly became clear that the operation would not be easy. "The surf made rescue by boat dangerous, so the aircrew decided to lower the rescue swimmer and have the owner enter the water for rescue," the Coast Guard explained.

The plan called for the captain to abandon his ship, jump into the water, and be collected by the rescue swimmer.

A video shows the dramatic rescue operation, in which the professional rescuer quickly swims to the boat, which has taken up a dangerous position and looks as if it could capsize at any time.

Meanwhile, the distressed sailor climbs to the stern of the ship, and just as a huge wave sweeps the boat away, he jumps into the water. Nearly immediately, the Sandpiper shatters and capsizes.

Fortunately, the rescue operation succeeded, and the man was taken by one of the helicopters to a nearby Coast Guard base and treated.

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According to a report in the New York Post, the courageous rescue swimmer, whose name was not disclosed, had only recently completed his training. It was his first mission.

"All in all, it’s just another day for the Coast Guard men and women who spend their days #ProtectingThePNW," the Coast Guard concluded on Twitter.