Man on Vacation Caught by Sneaker Wave Near Trinidad, Dies on His Birthday
Drew Machi and his wife Brandie. [Photos used with family permission from the GoFundMe website.]
According to Commander Brendan Hilleary, Response Chief at Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay, “The Coast Guard was first notified of the incident by multiple reporting parties near the scene at approximately 11:40 a.m., Friday, and immediately launched an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter from McKinleyville and a 47-foot Motor Lifeboat from the Coast Guard station in Samoa. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office also dispatched a deputy to scene.”
Commander Hilleary explained, “The helicopter arrived at the incident within 6 minutes of takeoff, located the missing man in the water, hoisted and flew him directly to emergency medical care at Mad River hospital.”
Samantha Karges of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said that the victim, 39-year-old Andrew Machi “was located by rescue swimmer.”
Family of the victim.
A fundraiser for the family explains that the Bay Area family were on vacation on Drew Machi’s birthday. “Drew was fishing on the rocks and [a] wave grabbed him and threw him in the ocean.” The fundraiser states,
Brandie jumped in and tried to save him but he was about 15 feet out and the water was throwing her back into the rocks. She ran for help but he died…[S]he was alone with the kids for hours before any family arrived and now she’s back but won’t go home without him. his body will be brought back on Monday. Coroner said he believes he hit his head on rocks and was knocked out.
If you would like to assist, please click on this link to be taken to the family’s GoFundMe webpage.
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So tragic 💔
This is terrible Prayers sent to the family may he RIP
My sympathies to the family in their tragic loss.
So sad on sp many levels so sorry fir this family’s loss RIP
What an amazing woman trying to save her husband in a very dangerous situation, risking her life. Thankfully for the children she was spared. My condolences ❤
Well said my friend. Prayers for his family and friends. RIP Drew.
I am so sorry for this precious family. Brings back sad memories of other families experiencing the same fate on Freshwater Spit some years back…
The sea is a cruel mistress
Any relation to the cove Machi’s?
Yes. Drew was the grandson of Mario Machi’s cousin, Andrew Machi of San Francisco/healdsburg. The cousins and their wives were close friends during their lives
Your Shelter Cove cousins send their sympathies Mary Anna. Some of us remember Andy Machi and know that he was not just a cousin but a great friend to my Uncle Mario. Mario’s daughter, Gina, remembers family trips to visit him. It’s just tragic that Drew lost his life. With love – Mary Ann
Im so sorry for your loss!
I hope our community has treated you with respect and love, please let us know how we can help locally beyond the gofundme.
We too have lost loved ones to the ocean here
Rest in Peace.
Prity bad when you get swept out let alone being unconscious very tragic
Im so sorry for this tradgy! The sweet wife was so couragious with no thought of herself! This is true and an enduring love. The mind and heart are properties of the soul. He is well aware of this love and noble deed of his dear wife.
I think of this quote for this young husband and father that left this world way to soon.
“O My servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. You are destined by Him, in this world and hereafter, to partake of their benefits, to share in their joys, and to obtain a portion of their sustaining grace. To each and every one of them you will, no doubt, attain.”
How come there are so few signs warning people of the dangers of these waves, at Shelter Cove by the Wales Tale I dont believe there is a sign, On the North Jetty pier there is one old sign by the end of the pier, does no good. so many people and dogs have been killed without proper warning..
I see signs at a lot of beaches and coastal access points- and people still ignore them. Just this past weekend I warned a vacationing family from Farther south in California that it wasn’t safe to let their small children play in the waves at this local beach known for its sneaker wave action. They thanked me, but told me they “grew up near the beach” in SoCal, and continued to let their young kids run around in “the danger zone”. Signage is great, but that doesn’t meet people heed the warnings.
There’s no signs at this beach, there should be more signs in Trinidad.
So sorry for your loss ❤ What a terrible tragedy hold each other tight and know that other are sending you good thoughts. Reach out and accept their love and assistance.💞💞💞💞
Anyone who lives in California or Hawaii should be aware of sneaker waves. On at least two occasions I have seen College aged kids playing dodge the in coming waves. Each time I went to them an warned them about sneaker waves and NEVER turn your back to the ocean EVER. Yet there were different students making the same mistakes.
This family will never see their father/husband/ son-in-law, brother, sister, friend again. If you see someone in the sneaker danger zone don’t hesitate to warn them. Maybe, just maybe if someone would have seen him and taken the time to warn him he would be alive today. We are our brother’s and sister’s keepers.
Very well said my friend!
R.I.P. Mr. Machi. My condolences to your loved ones. I pray your death will not go in vain and that signs will be posted and educational videos, articles and posters will grace every coastal community around. Many tourists and even locals don’t know what a sneaker wave is, beyond the general description of after every certain number of waves a larger one will hit. Sneaker waves can come from the far side, hit the beach, travel a distance, then glide back out to sea taking the unaware with them. Who would ever think that a wave would come from the parking lot or cliff bank. Maybe the school kids can compete for best ‘poster’ signs and PSA’s? It would be highly educational for all, especially for them. That higher wave can be a higher wave.
I am so sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family.