SEE: Boaters Rescued Near Mare Island

SAN PABLO BAY, CA — Two boaters were rescued Wednesday near Mare Island in San Pablo Bay when their 30-foot sailboat ran aground, the U.S. Coast Guard said Friday. The Coast Guard was contacted around 4:30 p.m. by the boaters, who reported that their sailboat was disabled and they had run aground west of Mare Island.

Because of the shallow water depth, a Coast Guard helicopter crew responded to the scene. The boaters were hoisted into the helicopter and taken to Napa County Airport.

"The boaters opted to call the Coast Guard early instead of potentially allowing the situation to worsen overnight," said Lt. Adam Frye, the helicopter pilot, in a news release. "This allowed us to execute the
rescue during daytime under favorable conditions and get everyone home safely."

The sailboat is anchored where it ran aground as the owner makes plans for salvage.

By Bay City News Service

Image via U.S. Coast Guard District 11 video by Petty Officer 2nd Class Cory Mendenhall