SAN FRANCISCO – Three people are safe today after their boat started taking on water and almost capsized near Point Reyes, Calif.
At approximately 4:30 p.m. they radioed mayday for help, and Coast Guard Sector San Francisco immediately issued an issued an urgent marine information broadcast urging mariners in the area to keep a look out and assist the distressed boaters if possible.
Station Golden Gate and Station Bodega Bay each launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat. Additionally, an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from Air Station San Francisco and the Cutter Dorado, an 87-foot coastal patrol boat homeported in Crescent City, were nearby and called to the scene.
Sector San Francisco lost communication with the people aboard the boat shortly after being informed that they where putting on their life jackets. After many attempts to hail the vessel on channel 16, the boaters contacted the Coast Guard on a handheld radio. They relayed that they were able to safely navigate the partially submerged boat to Salmon Creek. Another Station Bodega Bay crew met the three people on land and no medical attention was required.
The Coast Guard reminds all boaters not to hesitate to call the Coast Guard in times of need, and boaters are recommended to have other safety equipment such as life jackets, flares, and safety whistles that can help save lives and expedite response in the event of an emergency. The Coast Guard also recommends that all boaters be aware of the operating systems aboard their vessel and make sure they are in good working condition.
For more information on boating safety and required and recommended safety equipment, please visit www.uscgboating.org.
