[UPDATE Thursday: One Dead] Emergency Personnel Are Rushing to a Report of Multiple People Stuck on Tractor in Waters Near Fernbridge; One in the Water Downstream
The incident was first reported about 7:45 p.m. Those stuck were reported to be berry workers. At 8:25 p.m., an officer reported being able to see but not reach the tractor which was about a half mile from him.
The current report is that there are three to four people on the tractor and one in the water.
Unfortunately, the rest of the response won’t be quick as the flood means that emergency personnel have to go around through Blue Slide road near Rio Dell and then take Grizzly Bluff Road to Ferndale, according to a report from one responder. He explained that not only can’t they use Ferndale Bridge, they can’t use Waddington Road either.
The Coast Guard is responding, according to the dispatcher. Though it is unclear whether they will use a boat or a helicopter.
Please remember that information gathered from initial reports is subject to revision as more facts become available.
UPDATE 9:20 p.m.: A boat is in the water “with one rider.” We’re unsure what that means. We believe it means two in the boat but we are unclear.
UPDATE 9:26 p.m.: According to reports from the scene over the scanner, several children were on the tractor and have been rescued. The “husband” is still in the water. More children may be in the home.
UPDATE 9:33 p.m.: The children have been extracted from the tractor, reports an officer from the scene over the scanner. Then he indicates that someone is looking for the “outstanding subject.” He also reports that the Coast Guard helicopter is now on the scene.
UPDATE 9:40 p.m.: The dispatcher reports that there is a 12-year-old watching smaller children in a nearby home.
UPDATE 9:50 p.m.: The Fernbridge webcam is showing (in a blurry emergency-lights-in-the-dark way) some of the action. Below is a screenshot. We’ve circled the light that is flying around the area–presumably this is the Coast Guard helicopter.
Update 10:15 p.m.: The Coast Guard helicopter appears to be searching in the Port Kenyon area, according to reporters we have in the area.UPDATE 10:30 p.m.: The search isn’t successful so far. One of the Coast Guard helicopter crew just said over the radio, “We have saturated area all the way to ocean…Have fuel for another half hour. Contact command center to decide to call off for the night…”
UPDATE 10:35 p.m.: The helicopter is having to leave the search. One of the Coast Guard helicopter crew just stated, “Working our way out then heading back to base.”
UPDATE 10:50 p.m.: About five minutes ago, the helicopter returned to base, according to a helicopter crew member speaking over the scanner.
UPDATE 11:22 p.m.: According to reports over the scanner, from the tractor and the home together, four children and two adults were rescued. One man is still missing.
UPDATE 9:53 a.m. Thursday: One Dead After Attempted Civilian Rescue by Tractor Failed
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I don’t think the picture above is near where the tractor is stuck. That is the Loleta side of the river and Cock Robin Island bridge.
I would guess it was within a mile of the area and gives an idea of the conditions but I could be wrong.
I agree with the commenter above. The bridge is Cock Robin Island Bridge and the top of the page is the north side. Right at the end of the bridge due west is what usually is a County boat ramp, now covered with water. Further north is Cannibal Island Road. If you look at your map where it says Cock Robin Island and look closely you see the bridge just south of the name. There are several houses on the south side and a ranch or two. You won’t be getting there with anything that has wheels. It helicopter country at the point. Boats are probably too dangerous.
The photo was just to show the general area and condition not an actual photo of the area. The map shows 801 Sage Road where officers responded.
Any updates this morning?
Oh my. Let me guess. Stupid josh j. Thought it a good idea to do this. He destroyed my little four wheel drive for laughs, leaving, cheating, he is a pig.
What the heck is wrong with you? Children’s lives are in the balance right now, and you have to spew personal vitriol. SMH.
So not about you
Kym, the Coast Guard has a helicopter now over the area scanning.
God i wish they would find the dad 🙁
Us, too.
Pretty sure they are dairy workers not Berry workers
You may be correct (in fact, I think it is likely) but dispatcher entering it onto the CHP Traffic Incident Information Page as seen here hosted on the Lost Coast Outpost https://lostcoastoutpost.com/chpwatch/2019/feb/27/190227HM00125/ spelled it out as “BERRY WORKERS STUCK IN WATER.”
My $.02 worth says it’s likely the dispatcher misheard the name!!!
No, you are not wrong Kym and thank you for your service 🙂 You are very much appreciated!
🕯She is the candle in the window.
Berry workers?…what does that mean?
I believe it is a family of dairy workers
Once the CHP dispatcher/call-taker enters a line in his/her computer they can’t change it. They can either delete it from the online website (but not from their computer log – that’s permanent), type out a new line referencing and correcting it, or just leave it as it is and explain the typo to any officer who might ask.
Unless it’s a potential life-or-death error they’re usually busy doing more important things, like simultaneously answering 9-1-1 callers and working the radio.
Thank you for explaining.
It’s nice to see real journalism, just reporting the facts. How refreshing. Thanks, Kim.
Kym, you must be busy!
You mentioned something on another post about errors.
May I mention 2 things in this post you should re-read and perhaps edit for clarification, if you want.
1)The paragraph (sentence) that begins with “Unfortunately” before your updates.
2)Your wording in the parenthesis in the 9:50pm update.
Really?
https://kymkemp.com/2019/02/27/three-arrested-as-multi-resident-search-reveals-firearms-meth-and-packing-materials-says-dtf/#comment-783892
Yes.
I don’t care if she doesn’t. Just seems like she does.
🕯Thank you Kym.
Any update this morning?
they found him this AM deceased 🙁
https://humboldtgov.org/CivicAlerts/SingleAlertItem?alertID=2137
Sorry to hear that. Thanks for the update – but it doesn’t seem that this link is in any way informative.
That’s horrible, but what a hero saving his children.
UPDATE: https://kymkemp.com/2019/02/28/one-dead-after-attempted-civilian-rescue-by-tractor-failed/