• Tule elk silhouetted against sunlight reflecting off of Drakes Bay.

    Point Reyes

    National Seashore California

  • 2012 Harbor Seal Pupping Season Closures

    From March 1 through June 30, an annual closure of Drakes Estero and certain beaches of Tomales Bay is implemented to protect harbor seals during the pupping season. Please avoid disturbing seals to ensure a successful pupping season. More »

Boat Rescue at Point Reyes National Seashore on August 3, 2003

Subscribe RSS Icon | What is RSS
Date: August 4, 2003
Contact: John A. Dell’Osso, 415-464-5135

On August 3, 2003 at 8:00 am, a fisherman reported a boat in distress that had run aground on Driftwood Beach in the wilderness area of Point Reyes National Seashore. National Park Rangers responded and found five individuals and their boat had made it ashore in a rugged section of Tomales Point. The outer coast of Tomales Bay is considered extremely dangerous because of heavy surf, rip tides and extremely cold water.

The boat operator Linh Dang reported that his boat experienced mechanical difficulties while he was fishing near the shoreline in his 19-foot power boat. After receiving assistance from park rangers, four of the individuals were able to hike out to McClures Beach. One individual unable to make the steep climb out from the beach area was evacuated via a Coast Guard helicopter. Rangers had been standing by to perform a technical rock rescue evacuation if necessary.

The salvage company, Parker Dive, was able to refloat the vessel at high tide and tow the boat to Drakes Bay where it was removed by the owner.

-NPS-

Did You Know?

Bull elephant seal © Richard Allen

Four species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) rest onshore or breed at Point Reyes:  the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). More...