Two Boaters Rescued Near Old Berkeley Pier

BERKELEY, CA -- Two boaters were rescued Saturday near the Old Berkeley pier west of the Berkeley Marina, officials said. The victims were rescued after the Coast Guard received a call around 11 a.m.

The boaters were apparently stranded on the Berkeley pier ruins after their recreational vessel was pushed against the pilings by high winds, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a press release.

A helicopter crew arrived on the scene and rescued the two boaters who were transported to Air Station San Francisco with no reported injuries.

The Coast Guard urged boaters to operate their boat within their skill set and during periods of high wind, only get underway if necessary.

Mariners should always check the weather before heading out on the water and ensure life jackets and a VHF-FM marine-band radio are aboard, the Coast Guard said.

--Photo courtesy of U.S. Coast Guard