November 20, 2006 McKinleyville, Calif. — The U.S. Coast Guard rescued 36-year-old Michael Prall Sunday night who had been surfing off Camel Rock.
The call was initially received at 4:56 p.m. by the California Highway Patrol dispatchers and subsequently forwarded to Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay relaying information that a surfer was in distress in the vicinity of a popular surf spot near Camel Rock just north of Moonstone beach. The surfer was observed waiving his hands for help as he was caught by the current and swept out to sea.
The Coast Guard issued a urgent marine information broadcast for any boaters in the area to assist if possible. An HH-65 helicopter from Air Station Humboldt Bay, a 47 foot motor life boat from Station Humboldt Bay and an Auxiliary mobile unit were dispatched for the search and rescue response.
The surfer was located by the helicopter crew at approximately 6:18 p.m., taken aboard the motor life boat in good condition and transported to Station Humboldt Bay in Samoa.
Coast Guard Press Release
