On Sunday, November 4th, a vessel containing seven people (including three children) capsized in ocean waters outside the mouth of Tomales Bay near Point Reyes National Seashore. Rangers on NPS vessel Rescue 25 responded from the park. Five of the boat’s occupants were thrown into the water and were rescued by helicopters from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and the United States Coast Guard. Two children were trapped inside the hull of the upside-down vessel in an air pocket. Due to the direction of the incoming swell, USCG vessels were unable to reach the capsized vessel. Rangers assessed the response risk, and, due to their location, determined that they would be able to safely approach the capsized vessel from the opposite direction. Rangers maneuvered Rescue 25 adjacent to the capsized vessel and placed it in tow while rescue swimmers remained on the hull of the vessel to communicate with the children. Rangers towed the vessel to shore, where Marin County Fire Department personnel stabilized it and cut through the hull to free the uninjured children. This incident generated significant local media interest.

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Name: Chief Ranger’s Office