Sonoma County Sheriff's Helicopter "Henry 1" Rescues Kayaker at Dillon Beach
Press Release
Henry 1 rescue 2/5/2015, CR#150205-025
On 2/5/2015, at about 3:10 PM, The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter, Henry 1 was dispatched along with Marin County Fire Station Tomales, Bodega Bay Fire Department and US Coast Guard to Dillon Beach in Marin County, regarding a third party report of a kayaker in distress.
The Henry 1 crew consists of a pilot, sheriff sergeant/EMT and a paramedic, all trained to perform long line rescues. The crew arrived on scene at about 3:21 PM and found an approximately ten foot long, kayak about 300 yards off shore north of the mouth of Tomales Bay. A single male occupant was in the water hanging on to the kayak. The Henry 1 crew advised a nearby Coast Guard vessel of the kayaker’s location.
Due to his location in shallow water and breaking surf, access would have been difficult and delayed by boat. The Henry 1 crew elected to configure the helicopter for a 100 foot long-line rescue and make contact with the kayaker. The Pilot flew the sergeant to the kayaker on the end of the 100 foot long line. The kayaker was found appropriately equipped for the conditions and uninjured but too exhausted to safely paddle back to shore in the heavy surf. The Henry 1 crew flew the kayaker to shore using a horse collar rescue device. Marin County Fire personnel took over care of the kayaker who was later transported to an area hospital by Bodega Bay Fire Ambulance.
The entire Henry 1 crew routinely trains for long line rescues in the ocean, on cliffs and other remote areas located along the North Coast. For additional information on the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Helicopter unit, please visit www.friendsofhenry1.org
Prepared by Sergeant Pete Quartarolo 707.565.7196
Address/Location
Sonoma County Sheriff's Office
2796 Ventura Ave
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-565-2650