Del Norte County Deputies Rescue Two Fishermen Who Were Trapped Under Their Capsized Boat

One officer gives a thumbs up after two fishermen were rescued. [Crop of a photo from the DNSO]

The Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had rescued two fishermen yesterday after they were trapped under it when it capsized. Below is their announcement:

Hero Status.

Sheriff Erik Apperson said “I have absolutely zero doubt that two lives were saved today because of brave deputies going above and beyond the call of duty. These are the circumstances people often overlook or never hear about when it comes to law enforcement personnel. These types of stories should be shouted from the tops of mountains and these heroes should be celebrated.”

Probably now more than ever, most people have an opinion regarding law enforcement and what their roles should be. I think it’s important to remember that law enforcement personnel are often the first on scene to any critical incident, even those types of scenes that most people would expect a different branch of public safety to handle. By design, law enforcement officers are already in motion, ready to respond and are operating some of the most capable vehicles on the road. When seconds count, it’s crucial that anyone do whatever they can to save a life.

Today, our DNSO dispatch center received a call reporting a capsized vessel near the area of Enderts Beach. Dispatcher Stevens was able to ascertain and relay the necessary information so that rescue efforts could be set in motion.

Deputy Stewart was on patrol with Deputy Fahndrich and began responding to the scene. The US Coast Guard deployed a helicopter. Deputy Downing and Deputy Owen also began responding.
Once the upside down vessel was spotted, deputies made their way down a trail from the roadway and traversed a lengthy stretch of beach by foot. Deputy Stewart estimated the small boat to be about 80 yards from the shoreline. Taking into consideration the water temperature and time it would take for another boat to respond, he chose to enter the water. He removed the gear that would weigh him down, put on a life jacket and secured a rope around himself. Deputy Fahndrich held on to the other end of the rope and they made their way to the vessel. Once out to the boat, Deputy Stewart was able to make contact with someone inside it by striking the vessel with his hands. The fisherman was utilizing an air pocket and did not want to leave his fellow fisherman behind. Deputy Stewart coached him out and pulled him to shore.

Making his way back to boat, Deputy Stewart was able to confirm another passenger was beneath it. Deputy Stewart also noticed a gas leak. The United States Coast Guard landed their helicopter on the nearby shore and Lieutenant O’Neill made his way to the vessel along with Deputies Owen, Downing and Fahndrich. While Fahndrich, Owen and Downing were able raise one side of the boat, Deputy Stewart and Lieutenant O’Neill successfully removed the second trapped fisherman. He was taken to shore as well.
Both men were transported from the scene for medical needs.

Today’s water temperature was estimated to be about 50 degrees.

[All photos from the DNSO]