SAMOA, Calif. – In addition to hosting hundreds from the community in its third annual open house, the crew of Coast Guard Station Humboldt Bay also rescued two boaters today.
Before the preplanned open house got into full swing the ready-response crew jumped into action to assist two boaters in a 19-foot recreational boat that was dead in the water just outside the Humboldt Bay inlet.
The crew used a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat to tow the boaters back to their launch point at Fields Landing and returned to base to join the rest of the crew participating in the open house.
The open house drew in more than 400 people despite a dreary, overcast sky and misting conditions. Adults, children and dogs were welcomed to climb aboard response boats from the Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the California Highway Patrol and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection landed helicopters on the station’s grounds for public viewing.
Petty Officer 1st Class Chris Moore, a boatswain’s mate assigned to Humboldt Bay, helped organized the event, and he said he was happy with community involvement despite the weather.
“I think everything went well considering the weather,” said Moore. “I really want to thank all of the agencies that came out, the community for participating, and my crew for putting this great event together.”
The Coast Guard, Coast Guard Auxiliary, CHP, Cal. Fire, local National Guard, Cal. Fire, Arcata Police Department, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office marine unit, and the California Department of Fish and Game were all on hand to speak to community members. The public also had the oppurtunity to tour the more than 70-year-old station building, learn how to throw heaving lines, and discover what it is like to operate on California’s rugged and dangerous northern coast.
