U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Barry Bena.
SAN FRANCISCO — A Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew rescue a kayaker approximately 70 nautical miles west of Santa Cruz, Sunday morning.
Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a report at 9:42 p.m. Saturday from a kayaker who was making a solo voyage from Sausalito to Honolulu.
The kayaker lost GPS capability, had nearly capsized due to heavy weather and contacted the Coast Guard for rescue.
Watchstanders directed the launch of a Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin Short-Range Recovery Helicopter (SRR) aircrew at 10:25 p.m. The rescue aircrew arrived on scene at 12:39 a.m., hoisted the kayaker into the helicopter and returned to Air Station San Francisco.
“Recognizing that the situation was beyond his capabilities and calling for assistance allowed our crews to reach him in time for a successful rescue,» said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Kroll, a Coast Guard spokesperson. «This shows that even experienced mariners with proper safety equipment can get into trouble on the ocean, which is why having the right equipment and knowing when and how to use it is so important.»
The kayaker reported he was in distress after losing GPS capability and nearly capsizing due to heavy weather conditions on a solo voyage from Sausalito to Honolulu.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The survivor was reported to be in good condition with no medical concerns.
-USCG-
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