SAN FRANCISCO – The Coast Guard rescued a kayaker stranded on the Gallinas Creek in San Rafael, Saturday evening.
At approximately 7:40 p.m., Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders received a report from the San Rafael Fire Department that a kayaker became stranded in the mud while attempting to navigate the Gallinas Creek near Bucks Landing. After failed attempts to reach the kayaker with rescue boats due to the shallow water, the Coast Guard launched a rescue helicopter crew from Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco.
The Coast Guard helicopter aircrew located the stranded kayaker and lowered a rescue swimmer to strap and hoist the man from the muddy creek. Following a safe hoist into the helicopter, the aircrew transported the man to San Rafael Airport where emergency medical technicians were standing by to provide assistance.
“This was a tremendous collaborative effort with the San Rafael Fire Department,” said Capt. Greg Stump, commander, Sector San Francisco. “Agency teamwork and asset versatility proved to be paramount when responding in diverse environments and conditions.”
Click HERE to view video of the rescue.