According to Jesse Munson, Vice-President of Munson Boats, the landing craft approached what appeared to be a body in the water, lowered the bow door and pulled the man onto the boat. Munson said the man was unconscious and purple when they moved him into the cabin and began resuscitation efforts.
The man started breathing while the boat sped toward Anacortes.
Munson said the man told the boat crew that he had been kayaking around the islands and that he had lost his kayak two days ago while camping on Saddlebag. He told them that after failing to get anyone's attention sailing near the island, he decided to try to swim.
A crew from Anacortes Fire Department took the man to Island Hospital, which confirmed that someone was brought in under those circumstances, but would not release any other information, citing privacy regulations.
Skagit County Sheriff's Office was sending a deputy to the hospital to talk to the man.