Search On For Fisherman Missing Off Sonoma Coast

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A San Mateo fisherman remained missing Thursday after falling off a rock and into the waters off the Sonoma County coast, sheriff's officials said Thursday. It was reported at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday that Li Shen Su, 65, fell into the surf at Gerstle Cove State Marine Reserve, Sonoma County sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

According to Crum, Su and four friends arrived at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday for a fishing excursion at the coastal reserve north of Timber Cove. As they were traversing rocks south of Gerstle Cove, Su slipped and fell into the surf.

"Su’s friends tried to locate Su with no success," Crum said.

They had no cell service in the area so they drove south to Fort Ross State Park and contacted park rangers about Su's disappearance into the water.

The sheriff’s Henry One helicopter crew was first on scene and began searching the area for Su but were not immediately able to locate him, Crum said.

Additional personnel from the sheriff's office as well as California State Parks and the U.S. Coast Guard also responded to help search for the fisherman.

"The surf is very strong right now, making rescue efforts very difficult," Crum said Thursday morning.

The sergeant said Su's family has been contacted by the sheriff’s office and that aerial search for him was continuing.

Photo: Shutterstock.com