[UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Video With Fellow Surfer] Water Rescue Ongoing off the North Jetty

Emergency personnel getting ready for a water rescue. [All photos by Mark McKenna]

Emergency personnel getting ready for a water rescue. [All photos by Mark McKenna]

A surfer was reported to be in distress in the North Jetty area of Humboldt Bay about 2:15 p.m. CPR is being performed, according to first reports from the scene over the scanner.

The distressed person is still in the water, also according to the scanner.

UPDATE 2:53 p.m.: CPR was being done in the water, according to our reporter on the scene, Mark McKenna. The patient was just loaded onto the Coast Guard boat.

UPDATE 3:05 p.m.: At this time we don’t know how the surfer is doing but all rescue swimmers are safely out of the water.

Coast Guard Boat

Coast Guard Boat in the water.

Watching the water for signs of a rescue.

Watching the water for signs of a rescue.

UPDATE 3:26 p.m.: According to an eye witness, Benjie Rose, the distressed surfer did not seem to respond to the CPR.  He said the man was face down for several minutes before he was seen. He added that it is the worst thing you could see is a friend face down in the water.

According to Rose, four nearby surfers responded and worked to get him onto his board which was very difficult. They tried to resuscitate the distressed surfer on there but Rose said there was no sign of it working.

UPDATE 3:41 p.m.: Another surfer, Jim Merryfield, said when he arrived and saw the situation, he called 911. He said after he called 911, he then went into the water. “I’m glad I helped,” he told our reporter at the scene. “It took all three of us.”
After attempting CPR for some time, Merryfield said, “The Coast Guard pulled up next to us and pulled him in the boat.”

He said that the victim and the rescuers were “all experienced surfers” with “decades in the water.”

The surfers that attempted to help and even other surfers that were arriving on scene were visibly shaken by the news of the incident. It was clear the
victim was known and loved by his fellow surfers.

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31 Comments
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charlie
Guest
charlie
4 years ago

My heart goes out to that loved him.
RIP brother!

local observer
Guest
local observer
4 years ago

if you use the water between the jetties, it is important to use this wave hazard site. at 2pm no wave hazards, at 3pm the tide has changed and wave hazards appear and remain until the tides turns again later tonite. if the swell is 6 feet or over, there are wave hazards on a medium to large outgoing tide, always.
https://www.wrh.noaa.gov/eka/swan/

Mark McKenna
Guest
Mark McKenna
4 years ago
Reply to  local observer

They person was outside the channel surfing next to the North Jetty on the ocean side. He had decades of surfing experience.

Willie Caos-mayham
Guest
4 years ago
Reply to  local observer

🕯🌳Thanks for the information. 👍🏽

Sinbad of SoHum
Guest
Sinbad of SoHum
4 years ago

Rest in peace, Big Wave Dave!♡

beel
Guest
beel
4 years ago

All Wave Dave

Duh
Guest
Duh
4 years ago

Nooo, not big wave! Guy was goofie as could be in an awesome way……

Surfers have boards, but they don't swim like a fish...........
Guest
Surfers have boards, but they don't swim like a fish...........
4 years ago

Almost identical to a surfer I saw in Hawaii. Something happened to the surfer and he slipped off his board. Waves were normal for surfing. By the time other surfers got him to the beach we applied CPR. But there was no response. We kept it up until Paramedics got there. He was taken away and the only thing I saw on the news was that he succumb to inhaling too much water. Surfers have an attitude about surfing. I have heard several say when my time comes I hope it happens when I am surfing. Can’t say for sure, but a life vest may have saved this guy. But NO surfer would ever wear a life preserver. It’s like riding a motorcycle without a helmet. You see it happen, but you think there’s a head injury he won’t survive from. The Coast Guard mandates life preservers in boats, but not surfers. One surfer in Hawaii told me wearing a preserver while surfing is like wearing a condom during sex. I had no response.

Marc
Guest
Marc
4 years ago

You want to get below the turbulence so you can get beyond the breaker. It would be kind of hard to duck under a crashing wave with a flotation device on. Also, not sure it would work too well in the highly aerated foam of a crashing wave, so you would probably get carried with the crashing wave with your head buried in the foam.

Buster
Guest
Buster
4 years ago

Actually, inflatable life vests are pretty much standard equipment for big wave surfers these days.

Charlie
Guest
Charlie
4 years ago

They already have a wetsuit on that provides several pounds worth of flotation. Actually a helmet is probably as much or more use in a wipeout. The suit will make you float but you have to be conscious to take advantage of it. Some (but not many) surfers use one.

A guy I know had his leg broken when he was hit by his board. If it had hit his head he wouldn’t be with us today.

Fndrbndr
Guest
Fndrbndr
4 years ago

Hopefully he pulls through.

Jimihawk
Guest
Jimihawk
4 years ago

Aloha nui brother

Truthwillunfold
Guest
4 years ago

Enjoyed so many sessions with you brother thankyou for your kindness and free spirit

Joan Dunning
Guest
Joan Dunning
4 years ago

Flowers at North Jetty in honor of David.

Anne D.
Guest
Anne D.
4 years ago

e kau i luna i ke kaikaina, maluhia me ʻoe

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
4 years ago
Reply to  Anne D.

‘Ae. Ua hele ‘o ia i uka. Brother has gone to the uplands, and the rain beats on the lehua blossoms of Hanalei. Auwe!
Well, he is with God, and he died doing what he loved to do. We should all be so lucky.
Bummahs, but.

Kcorb
Guest
Kcorb
4 years ago

Dave was a kind soul. He will be terribly missed. Always smiles and set waves. Aloha Dave! Thank you for being you.

Jeff Poel
Guest
Jeff Poel
4 years ago

Big Wave Dave, Godspeed my brother! I just talked to you today before we paddled out. It was big, but nothing you couldn’t handle with a smile and a nod. We surfed together for 13 years. Me and the dogs will miss your smiling face. I was told it was a big jetty left that you went out on. No fear, Dave, you’re with god. Love you!

Joyce fishman
Guest
Joyce fishman
4 years ago
Reply to  Jeff Poel

Im sorry that i didn’t know you, Dave. You sound like an authentically kind person and you an impact on those that knew you.
To his love ones please know from my Bahai Faith scared writings that the heart and mind properties of the soul. His love for you is as close as your life’s vein! He can inspire you especially through the arts. He lives on a new line. He loves and prays for your progress here as you can pray for his progress in this other world that in reality is this world! The baby in the womb is in this world, but in its own world. The baby veiled until it is born into this larger world. The baby’s focus on its development there in the womb. Out focus should be on gaining virtues here in this world for that other world where the veil is lifted! Mediate and reflect what our purpose is. Dave would have wanted you to do this❤️🌹❤️

HSHSURF
Guest
HSHSURF
4 years ago

Mahalo Dave for all the smiles and good vibes in the water. You’ll be missed brother. Aloha – RIP

Buster
Guest
Buster
4 years ago

Didn’t know you but ride on surf brother.

Hollie
Guest
Hollie
4 years ago

This was my Dad. Thanks for all the kind words about my Dad that many have posted here. It makes my heart swell with pride knowing he made such an impact on the surf community. Sadly he didn’t make it, but went out charging it, and doing what he loved. It was too soon! We are grieving, but are so grateful for for all those who worked tirelessly to try and save his life, and to those who gathered in honor of him at the Jetti last night. We will be forever grateful.❤️

beel
Guest
beel
4 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

David was an elder in our midst. His complete dedication to surfing stood out in a pack of dedicated pilgrims.
Once the shock of his passing subsides, stories are going to flow:comment image?_nc_cat=105&efg=eyJpIjoidCJ9&_nc_oc=AQkPj4v0j7-v6xu4v3KP95t_rF2Y5qbhiJfGM0V2ZEgF3XfSFVV_Vu90uazpPNyqJSwC9Icy7YB9kc3tHd4dNwpb&_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.xx&oh=df2f503cf15919ce3ff3ff0b1f406878&oe=5E0B464E

Mario J Quiros
Guest
4 years ago
Reply to  Hollie

He was a beautiful soul, and a wonder to watch in the water. I find it hard to believe. Thanks for sharing such sad news at such a hard time.

Keahi
Guest
Keahi
4 years ago
Reply to  Hollie

Hollie, so very sorry for your loss, may you take comfort in his ever-present and endless love.

Betty
Guest
Betty
4 years ago
Reply to  Hollie

Hollie…. I’m so sorry. May God give you and your family comfort during this time. Your dad was such a special guy. I’m glad we got to know him during the short time we were neighbors. He was doing what he loved and is now rejoicing with your brother in Christ’s presence. Love to you and the family. ❤️

Bug on a Windshield
Guest
Bug on a Windshield
4 years ago

I did ‘t know him and haven’t been out in quite awhile, but, my condolences. RIP!! Endless Waves and Big Wednesdays now and forever. Say hi to my Dad, Mikey, he’ll show you the most Heavenly breaks.

Fndrbndr
Guest
Fndrbndr
4 years ago

Much love to the family ♥️. Dave was a good man. Glad I had the chance to see him one last time at Dazeys this spring. If you need any help in the future feel free to make contact. I’m the mechanic and welder that built the flatbed and sold him the generator.