USCG file photo
SHELTER COVE, Calif. – One person died and another, who tried to save him, was injured at Black Sands Beach near Shelter Cove Thursday afternoon.
The Coast Guard received a call from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s Humboldt-Del Norte Unit’s dispatch, at 3:16 p.m. requesting assistance for a man struggling in the water at Black Sands Beach.
A MH-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter, from Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay, and a 47-ft Motor Lifeboat, from Coast Guard Station Noyo River, were immediately launched to assist. The helicopter arrived on scene at 4:07 p.m., and located the man in the water. The helicopter crew directed a Shelter Cove fire rescue boat toward the individual. The boat crew recovered him from the water, and he was declared dead.
Another person was injured while attempting to assist the man in distress. The would-be rescuer made it back to shore where she was assisted by the Shelter Cove Fire Department. Arrangements were made to transport her by a commercial medical evacuation to a hospital to treat her injuries.
This is the second case within one week where the Coast Guard has responded to an individual who found themselves in distress while enjoying the beaches of Humboldt County. The Coast Guard reminds all those on or near the water that the waters and shoreline of Northern California are extremely rugged and hazardous. Even on a day with beautiful weather, high seas and powerful breaking waves can exist. The Coast Guard recommends checking weather and surf reports prior to activities and leisure on and around the water.
