On September 14, 2012 at approximately 2:57 pm, Sonoma County Sheriff's Helicopter "Henry 1" was requested by Marin County Fire Department to perform a cliff rescue at Pierce Point, above McClure's Beach in Marin County.
Marin County Fire Dispatch (Woodacre) reported an adult male and female used a cell phone to report that they were stuck on a cliff. They were lost on the beach and tried to climb up the cliff when they got stuck. They were in jeopardy of slipping and falling to the bottom.
Henry 1 arrived on scene and located both victims approximately 250 feet up the face of a rocky cliff and 35 to 50 from the top. The female victim was using her legs to brace herself and prevent herself from slipping. The male victim was approximately 20 feet away from the female and he was holding on to some rocks for support.
Henry 1 landed nearby and set up for "Long Line" rescue using a 100 foot rope attached to the underside of the helicopter. Pilot Paul Bradley flew Rescue Medic Scott Freedman on the bottom of the line. Using a device known as a “horse collar”, Freedman secured the female and flew her to safety. Henry-1 returned to the male victim, secured him, and flew him to safety. Both victims were residents of Novato and they were not injured.
For additional information regarding the rescue, please contact Lt. Tim Duke or Sergeant Ed Hoener at (707) 565-3586.
Prepared by: Lt. Clint Shubel
Reference Case # 120914-019
