The Daily World

A wayward surfer went on an unexpected journey Saturday morning when he paddled out in Westport and ended up in Ocean Shores.

Koichi Hashikawa, 35, of Seattle, said he was surfing at the beach across the Harbor in Westport about 7 a.m. when he encountered strong currents, according to a report posted on the Ocean Shores Police Department’s Facebook page.

He told police department personnel that he was pulled out to sea, and then unable to paddle back to shore. In an effort to stay afloat, Hashikawa kept paddling, eventually heading toward the North Jetty in Ocean Shores.

He was able to pull himself from the water upon arrival and then requested that a passer-by contact police.

Ocean Shores police officers found Hashikawa at North Jetty wearing a wetsuit with a hood and holding his surfboard about 10 a.m. He also had gloves and booties.

Hashikawa was later taken to the police station. A taxi cab ride was then arranged to drive Hashikawa the 46 miles back to Westport.