[Update 8:56 p.m.: One Fatality, One Rescued] Water Rescue in Shelter Cove

Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.

WaterRescueFeaturedScanner traffic alerted us to two subjects being removed from the waters off Shelter Cove.

Two citizens near the boat ramp in Shelter Cove stated that emergency personnel were deploying a rescue team with a boat and jetski. The citizens witnessed two helicopters in the area and saw the Coast Guard helicopter landing at the Shelter Cove airstrip.

orange coast guard helicopter at the sheltercove airstrip with ocean and blue skies in the background

[Photo by Ella Clarke]

Shelter Cove Fire’s Public Information Officer, Cheryl Antony confirmed the deployment of the boat and jetski. She said that a hiker hiking near Split Rock with a group, was swept into the water by a wave. A second hiker attempted to rescue the first hiker and ended up swept out as well.

Shelter Cove Fire rescue personnel were able to rescue both hikers, transporting them from the jetski to the boat that brought them back to the Shelter Cove boat ramp. A Reach medical helicopter transported one of the hikers to a local hospital. Their medical status is unknown at this time.

Antony said that the ocean conditions were very rough today and that there’s an undertow in the area the hikers went in at. Just yesterday the Shelter Cove Fire rescue team was conducting rescue drills, their skills being put to task today in the rough conditions.

Shelter Cove Fire was the lead agency with support from BLM, the US Coast Guard and Reach Medical.

Please remember to use caution when near the ocean. Here are some ocean safety tips from the California Department of Parks and Recreation:

Not all beaches along the California coastline are recommended for swimming or wading. The very things that make these areas such spectacular places to look at and enjoy can be lethal to those caught unaware along the shoreline.

Large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly.

There is limited lifeguard service along some portions of the coast. Check with on-duty park staff about the ocean conditions. Please be aware that conditions may change quickly along the coastline. When in doubt—don’t go out!

Rip Currents

These are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore. They typically extend from the shoreline, through the surf zone, and past the line of breaking waves. Rip currents can occur at any beach with breaking waves or where a there is a stream or outflow into the surfline. The majority of ocean rescues made by lifeguards are due to victims struggling in rip currents.

“Rogue Wave” or “Sleeper Wave”

These are common names given to a wave that is larger than the average wave height that has been observed. These can be unpredictable waves, which may occur even on days when most of the surf looks small and unspectacular. These large waves have been the cause of too many drownings over the years and can catch those close to the shoreline by surprise, washing them into the cold, turbulent water. Most victims were climbing on rocks and cliffs, playing near or in the surf, or shore fishing.

In an emergency — call 9-1-1

 

  • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1
  • Try to remain calm. Have someone spot the person in trouble or keep your eyes on the person. Give a clear explanation of your location and stay on the line with the dispatcher until you are told otherwise
  • Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape by having the victim swim out of the rip current, in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, direct them to swim towards shore.
  • Only professionally trained rescuers should attempt in-water rescues.

How to Avoid and Survive Rip Currents

 

rip current diagram in blue with black and green arrows

Learn how to swim!

  • Never swim alone.
  • Be cautious at all times, especially when swimming at unguarded beaches. If in doubt, don’t go out!
  • Whenever possible, swim at a lifeguard protected beach.
  • Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards.
  • If caught in a rip current, remain calm to conserve energy and think clearly.
  • Don’t fight the current. Swim out of the current in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
  • If you are unable to swim out of the rip current, float or calmly tread water. When out of the current, swim towards shore.
  • If you are still unable to reach shore, draw attention to yourself: face the shore, wave your arms, and yell for help.
  • If you see someone in trouble, get help from a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, have someone call 9-1-1 .
  • Throw the rip current victim something that floats and yell instructions on how to escape.

Remember, many people drown while trying to save someone else from a rip current.

UPDATE: Shelter Cove Fire’s Public Information Officer, Cheryl Antony, reports that “[O]nly one patient survived and was taken by Reach helicopter for more care[.] The other succumbed to [their] injuries[.]”

UPDATE 8:56 p.m.: Information from the Shelter Cove Fire Department’s Facebook page,

The Shelter Cove Ocean Rescue Team rescued two hikers out of the water off Black Sands Beach today at approximately 14:30. The team utilized both rescue boat 5174 and rescue ski 5173 pushing both vessels and crew members to the limits in order to successfully rescue 1 victim and recover another from 15-20ft waves. The team had both vessels in the water within 10 minutes of being dispatched. Unfortunately one of the victims was pronounced deceased at scene by paramedics, and one was transported by air ambulance in stable condition. This incident is still being investigated and all inquiries should be forwarded to the Humboldt County Sheriffs Office.

Note: This article was edited to note that the medical status of the airlifted patient is unknown at this time.

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12 Comments
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Guest
Guest
Guest
1 year ago

How awful.

My condolences to the family and friends.

And I am hoping for a complete and speedy recovery for the one who survived…

That being said, I would like to acknowledge the rescue and the recovery, by the Shelter Cove Volunteer Fire Department, the Coast Guard, and any other involved agency’s.

You guys are hero’s.

RIP
Guest
RIP
1 year ago

PLEASE hike the lost coast carefully.
The signs put up by and warnings from locals are not a joke,
DO NOT GO NEAR THE WATER AT BLACK SANDS. EVER.
Theres pleanty of beauitful beach to walk on.
The shelf drops off very quickly out there. It doesnt look like it, but its treacherous.
Maybe we need the project where white crosses are put out to signify each life lost there so people take it seriously.

Theae are very dangerous conditions for our local vfds to respond in. The ocean was not calm.
The emotional toll of losing a patient in a rescue situation is incredibly challenging. Beyond volunteering to risk their lives they risk the intense emotions that are hard to shake, hard not to take personally.

Pleaae if for no other reason than doing your part in helping our brqve vfd members sleep at nite, be extra careful out there and heed the warnings, do not go backpacking anywhere unless youve read about the terrain. From beaches to mountain peaks, know what youre walking into, literally.

The guidebooks tell you there are parts of the lost coast trail that are underwater at high tides. Heed that.
Know the signs of sneaker waves.
If youre tired and rushing to get to your car or get hom,just dont. Dont push it.

Blessings to all involved,how scary and heartbreaking for all, from victims to responders to those on the beach. 🙏💐
and a reminder to us all that life can change dramatically within a few minutes, enjoy the moments you have.

Cetan Bluesky
Guest
Cetan Bluesky
1 year ago

Tragic!

Local Captain
Guest
Local Captain
1 year ago

Condolences to the family and friends, first of all.

It is worth mentioning in the information about what to do if someone ends up in the water that they should take their clothes off. Sounds weird but swimming with clothes on is super hard even for avid swimmers. I don’t think many people other then professional watermen understand this well.

Martin
Guest
Martin
1 year ago

Sad to read that another life was lost to the ocean. Condolences to their family and friends. RIP. A heart felt thank you to the Shelter Cove Fire Department, the Coast Guard, BLM and Reach Medical for their never- ending help for people in need. You are all heroes in my book! God bless each one of you.

Tony SD
Member
1 year ago

The lady that wrote the article claims she grew up in Nevada. The way she writes suggests that she is NOT from the United States, or anywhere in North America for that matter.

Tony SD
Member
1 year ago

RIP to the drowning victim.

E.R. Winter
Guest
E.R. Winter
1 year ago

The ocean just took her, so fast, right in front of us. There was nothing we could do but run for help and toward cell service. I’ve never felt so helpless in my life. Please build trail signs and bridges in dangerous areas for Lost Coast hikers. I know they’re going to keep coming. This was so painful to witness and I wish her soul a peaceful rest. We did everything we could. I wish I knew her name, and the you g man’s name, to tell him I’m sorry. We tried but I couldn’t run any faster. It’s not his fault. The ocean just took her. L, 🙏🏻

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
1 year ago
Reply to  E.R. Winter

Hello, I am searching for information on my friend who has recently passed. I believe this may have been her. Do you know if she had short hair? Above the shoulders and brownish/blonde. She would also be in her mid-20s. Regardless, I admire your efforts. You still saved another life.

Lee
Guest
Lee
1 year ago
Reply to  Patrick

I’m wondering the same. If we’re talking about the same individual were they a student at cal poly humboldt?

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
1 year ago
Reply to  Lee

I’m not sure where they went for undergrad. I do know they were not currently enrolled there. She was enrolled in grad school on the east coast. but she did grow up on the southern end of california. Is this ringing any bells for you?

Diana Forsyth
Guest
Diana Forsyth
1 year ago
Reply to  Lee

yes and intern for BLM