Coast Guard rescues 2 from downed plane in Half Moon 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

Coast Guard rescues 2 from downed plane in Half Moon Bay

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard rescued two people Tuesday evening after a plane went down approximately nine miles south of Pillar Point Harbor. 

It was reported that two BE-36 planes were flying together when one went down in the water in Half Moon Bay.

The second plane contacted air traffic control, which relayed the information to Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center watchstanders at approximately 6 p.m.

Coast Guard watchstanders dispatched crews aboard a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter, diverted a Coast Guard Air Station Sacramento C-27 Spartan aircraft and the Coast Guard Cutter Hawksbill, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Monterey. 

The Dolphin crew arrived on scene at approximately 6:20 p.m., hoisted a man and a woman into the helicopter and after they refused medical treatment, they were taken to Air Station San Francisco where they were seen by San Francisco International Airport fire department personnel.

There were no reported injuries. 

"The second pilot's quick response to report the downed plane and remain on scene greatly aided the Coast Guard's prompt response and ability to save two lives," said Lt. Cmdr. Joshua Murphy, the Air Station San Francisco Dolphin pilot.

-USCG-