Coast Guard Rescues 3 From Sinking Boat In San Pablo Bay

U.S. Coast Guard crews were able to safely rescue three people Tuesday evening as their boat was sinking near Black Point in San Pablo Bay.

Coast Guard officials in San Francisco said they received a report from San Rafael police at 6:12 p.m. of an 18-foot white boat that was taking on water after losing propulsion.

Coast Guard watchstanders were able to establish cellphone communication with the boat’s three adult passengers and instructed them to put on their life jackets, according to Coast Guard officials.

A Coast Guard helicopter and a California Highway Patrol helicopter assisted in the search. In addition, the Coast Guard sent a 29-foot response boat and the Sonoma County Fire Department launched a fireboat to help, Coast Guard officials said. While preparing for the rescue, watchstanders lost communication with people on the vessel, Coast Guard officials said.

Once the Coast Guard helicopter crew established the vessel’s location, the Coast Guard response boat arrived on scene and was able to rescue the passengers from the partially submerged boat. According to Coast Guard officials, the three people aboard the sinking boat were taken to Black Point in Novato.

“Life jackets were critical to a successful outcome in this rescue case,” Petty Officer Jessica Rockson said in a statement. “I’m glad we were able to locate and bring these three people safely ashore.”

--Bay City News

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