Coast Guard Rescues Stranded Boaters From Napa-Sonoma Marsh

NAPA COUNTY, CA — The Coast Guard rescued two stranded boaters from the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area Wednesday evening.

Cal Fire notified Coast Guard Sector San Francisco around 7:45 p.m. Wednesday of the boaters' predicament aboard a 19-foot vessel. The Coast Guard diverted an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco to the marsh.

"I quickly realized that a rescue boat was not going to be possible, due to the tides, so our crew knew we needed to assist," said Lt. Cmdr. Molly R. Smith, pilot, Air Station San Francisco."Given the cold weather conditions, our priority was ensuring the safety of the boaters and preventing hypothermia."

The aircrew was on scene by 8:45 p.m. and located the distressed boaters about two miles south of the Napa County Airport.

The boaters were hoisted into the helicopter and taken to the airport, where emergency personnel from the Napa County Fire Department awaited their arrival.

The Coast Guard said all mariners and anyone planning to be on the water should always file a float plan and check the weather and tide conditions before heading out.

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