Coast Guard, Bodega Fire Department rescue 2 after kayaks capsized in Bodega Bay

 Coast Guard, Bodega Fire Department rescue 2 after kayaks capsized in Bodega Bay

 

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard and Bodega Fire Department rescued two people Sunday evening after three kayaks overturned in Bodega Bay.

Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center watchstanders received a cellphone call from a male clinging to the side of his kayak off of Doran Beach requesting assistance at 4:32 p.m.

“It was challenging to communicate with him because he was distressed and had difficulty responding to basic questions we asked,” said Lt. Jason Berger, a command duty officer at Sector San Francisco. “We were able to piece enough information together to determine that there were two people in distress and both were holding onto their capsized kayaks.”

Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay and Bodega Fire Department launched their rescue boatcrews to assist the two men in distress.

Once on scene, Station Bodega Bay located one person in the water and brought him back to shore where EMS was waiting. Bodega Fire located the other person in the water and transferred him to a local hospital. A third person was with them but swam to shore.

“If you find yourself in need of assistance, stay as calm as possible, especially when talking to first responders,” said Berger. “It’s important to clearly communicate your location, the description of the kayak or vessel, the nature of emergency and the number of people in your group.”

The Coast Guard wants to also remind boaters and kayakers to always use caution in and around the water.

“We advise everyone to always wear their life jacket out on the water and to ensure you have two means of communication including a waterproof portable radio with you,” said Petty Officer 3rd Class John Wiggins, the coxswain aboard the Station Bodega Bay boatcrew.