SAN FRANCISCO — A Coast Guard aircrew rescued two boaters stranded in the Napa Sonoma Wildlife Marsh, in Napa, Wednesday evening.
The helicopter aircrew hoisted the two boaters after locating them 2-miles south of Napa County Airport in the Napa-Sonoma Wildlife Marsh.
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a notification from California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) requesting assistance to medevac two stranded boaters aboard a 19-foot vessel while boating in the Napa-Sonoma Marsh.
At approximately 7:45 p.m., Sector San Francisco watchstanders diverted the MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew, from Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco, to locate the mariners. The helicopter aircrew arrived on scene at approximately 8:45 p.m. and hoisted the distressed boaters into the helicopter. They were then transferred to Napa County Fire Department at the Napa Airport.
“I quickly realized that a rescue boat was not going to be possible, due to the tides, so our crew knew we needed to assist,” said Lt. Cmdr. Molly R. Smith, pilot, Air Station San Francisco. “Given the cold weather conditions, our priority was ensuring the safety of the boaters and preventing hypothermia.”
The Coast Guard urges all mariners and anyone planning to be out on the water to always file a float plan, check the weather and tide conditions before heading out.
For further information, please contact Coast Guard Public Affairs at (206) 815-6689 for updates on Coast Guard operations, please follow us on our social media channels.