VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard, Marin County Fire Department rescue 4 in Tomales Bay

News Release

U.S. Coast Guard 11th District Pacific Southwest Contact: 11th District Public Affairs Office: (510) 437-3325 After Hours: (510) 772-8865 11th District online newsroom

VIDEO RELEASE: Coast Guard, Marin County Fire Department rescue 4 in Tomales Bay

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SAN FRANCISCO – Coast Guard and Marin County Fire Department (MCFD) crews rescued four people whose 40-foot sailboat ran aground in Tomales Bay, Thursday evening.

At 7:45 p.m. boaters aboard the sailing vessel The Witch contacted Coast Guard Station Bodega Bay watchstanders via VHF marine radio channel 16 reporting their vessel had run aground. Station Bodega Bay launched a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat (MLB) crew to assist.

The MLB crew located the vessel approximately 150 yards off the beach near the Tomales Bay entrance. Winds of up to 25 knots and 6-foot swells were reported. 

Weather conditions and shallow water prevented the MLB crew from being able to safely approach the sailboat. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco requested assistance from MCFD, who provided a search and rescue personal-watercraft. The MCFD personal-watercraft operator passed a towline from the MLB to the sailboat.

The MLB crew towed The Witch to Spud Point Marina in Bodega Bay. No injuries were reported.

“We thank our partners at Marin County Fire for their professionalism and quick response,” said Chief Petty Officer Shane Abold, executive petty officer of Station Bodega Bay. “We could not have towed these people to safety without their assistance.”

The Coast Guard recommends all boaters have a VHF marine radio to call for help in case of an emergency.

-USCG-