MCKINLEYVILLE, Calif. – A 32-year-old woman was swept out to sea today while walking on Black Sand Beach with her friend and her dog.
Her friend called the Coast Guard, and Coast Guard Group Humboldt Bay diverted a helicopter and launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from Coast Guard Station Noyo River to search for the woman in the water. Additionally, Shelter Cove Fire Rescue was called in to assist.
The helicopter was able to locate her within minutes of arriving on scene and relay her position to the Fire Rescue boats. Her body was recovered and brought to the emergency medical personnel on shore, who pronounced her dead.
The Coast Guard reminds everyone to be vigilant while recreating on the beaches in Northern California. Winter is an especially dangerous time, and sneaker waves can catch beach goers by surprise, washing them into the sea. People walking along the beach should not turn their back to the ocean. Families and dog owners should protect themselves and their loved ones from surf zones and avoid low-lying areas.
