ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Coast Guard rescued three people stranded on rocks near Golden Gate Fields Tuesday night.
A 24-year-old man, a 13-year-old boy and a nine-year-old girl were fishing from the rocks when high tide caught them off guard and blocked their escape, trapping them on the rocks.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., the Albany Fire Department reported the children in distress to Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. Sector immediately diverted two Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65C Dolphin helicopters that was conducting training flights in the Bay Area. The Dolphin helicopter crews arrived on scene by 8:28 p.m. and hoisted the three people to safety. They were then transported to a safe location at Golden Gate Fields where emergency medical services met them.
Besides being cold from exposure, the rescued persons were reported to be in good condition.
“It’s extremely important to be aware of your surroundings when near the water,” said Lt. j.g. Matthew Kroll, one of the Dolphin helicopter co-pilots who flew the rescue. Checking the tides, giving yourself multiple exit paths, and having a planned time to leave will keep you from getting stuck on the rocks when the water begins to rise.”
The Coast Guard also reminds people planning to go on or near the water to always notify someone of your whereabouts and when you expect to return.
“The people rescued were very fortunate to be spotted before sunset and before the tide got any higher,” said Kroll.
U.S. Coast Guard video from Air Station San Francisco.
