[Update] Boat Capsized Off Fort Bragg Coast, CPR in Progress
[Stock photo by Matt LaFever]
Scanner traffic began around 2:21 p.m. indicating a boat had capsized in the surf along the beach just south of the Beachcomber Motel.
Reports from the scene indicate one subject is still in the water.
First responders requested an air ambulance to the scene which is reportedly going to land on the beach. The Coast Guard has also deployed.
UPDATE 2:47 p.m.: Scanner traffic indicates that the boat did not actually wash up on shore, but broke apart and disappeared underwater.
UPDATE 3:35 p.m.: The following video of a rescue helicopter landing at scene was sent to us by a bystander:
UPDATE 4:00 p.m.: Mendocino County Sheriff Matt Kendall told us the incident began this afternoon off of Pudding Creek Beach when a boat containing “an unknown amount of people” broke up in the surf.
One subject washed ashore, Sheriff Kendall said, and after first responders commenced CPR that subject was transported via air ambulance to Howard Hospital in Willits.
At this point, rescuers are unclear about the amount of people who were on the boat when the initial capsizing incident took place and their ongoing rescue efforts are hindered by an increasing swell.
Sheriff Kendall asked the public to practice caution if they are on the shoreline or on the water.
Update 11/25: Pug Missing After Boat Capsizes Near Pudding Creek
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.
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
Too many people come here, and go in the water regardless of weather conditions. This happens with Beachcombers, and recreational divers as well. That ain’t no lake folks. If the locals aren’t out there, there is a reason. Having crab for dinner is not worth your life I have often thought the Coast Guard should put a gate across the jetty, and keep fools in on bad days If you get in trouble in a boat, you have made an error in judgement.
Yes, unfortunately true. Many arrive in the winter and head off into the wilderness or the ocean with absolutely no regard for the weather in the wilderness or weather and tides on the ocean. Everybody has a hand device and somewhere on your drive in you will have reception to get a weather or ocean advisory. No excuses. I am sorry for the life(s) lost, but if this is swept under the rug, it never ends.
Don’t know what happened here but I will agree with some of that comment. This is some dangerous water here! Many rocks, many unseen just below. And the weather can change quickly as can the wave conditions. The sea is much stronger than you are! Not for the unsalty, barely even for the very salty. Speak with the saltiest locals you can find in the harbor before even considering going out there…Prayers for this boatload of folks…
That was my father in law who is a local and has been going out for years. As we sit in the ICU praying for him to live, thank for your very helpful comment.
Sending your family hopes for health and healing from my family who also go out on the water.
Prayers for Father in Law and your family
I will also be praying for your Father in Law…
My family was on the beach yesterday. When we realized what was happening we called the Coast Guard. My husband helped bring your FIL ashore. We have been praying for him and your family since yesterday. We pray for his full recovery. I’m sorry this happened to your family.
Those who helped this mariner in distress, including your husband, are true heros.
Thank you for being willing to help. I am very grateful for those whi step into a situation that is not easy.
Sending prayers for your father’s recovery and your family’s health…So sorry it went this way
I’m also praying for your father in law and your whole family.
Just an update. My father in law and my kids grandpa passed away. From what we can tell he went into the water to save his dog and that’s when the boat went into the breakers. I know people love to comment about how they wouldn’t go out and he shouldn’t have. But the sea and ocean was his peaceful spot and he loved that dog. As a fellow first responder, thank you to all who helped him and thank you for all the positive comments. For those who post that he shouldn’t have gone out, I’m not sure what you were trying to accomplish but you didn’t do it. To everyone else, Be safe on the water and do what you love. Life is too short
Brandon Hill, I’m very sorry to hear that your Father in Law, your kid’s Grandpa, passed away. It is truly heart wrenching.
Sending positive thoughts and condolences to you, as the Sun is rising here, and to the rest of his family and friends, as more proper words escape me.
Also, thank you very much for what you do as a first responder. I appreciate that.
Sincerely,
The Real Guest
Sorry for your loss your father in-law was a good man, one of the nicest people I’ve ever met.
FBnative will you please remove your comment this was my cousin your comment really is not nice for our family to see.
He actually was a pilot an experienced diver a cautious person and and all around wonderful person you definitely wouldn’t have said the things you said if you knew him. He actually was local too. So…
I’m sure if you go into Dave’s Deli they will let you know….
To all the people that tried to save his life thank you ?
This actually wasn’t a bad day to be out. The man on the boat was a good man and an experienced mariner and good swimmer.
Don’t jump to conclusions. Everyone can make a mistake in judgement especially when their family member is involved.
There was a sneaker wave warning out – not a good time to overload a little boat on the sea. I hope everyone made it home safely.
Lest someone think it’s about the size of the boat or the experience of the crew, please remember US Navy ships in WW2 occasionally got into waves that literally broke off the bows of their ships. The ocean is dangerous and wonderful all at once. May the missing be found and the wounded be healed.