CHP helicopter rescues boater off Sonoma Coast

A CHP helicopter rescued a stranded boater at Salt Point State Park on Tuesday after a lifeguard was unable to swim him to shore.|
RANDI ROSSMANN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A boater got into trouble Tuesday morning along the northern Sonoma Coast when his vessel got close to rocks and he needed rescue.

The disabled boat was reported in trouble at about 10:35 a.m. near Gerstle and Ocean coves at Salt Point State Park.

A state parks lifeguard was first to reach the boat and tried to swim the man on board to safety but was hampered by rough surf, CHP officials said in a news release.

After rescuers radioed for help, a CHP helicopter that had been in the area arrived within a minute and hovered about 75 yards above the vessel. An officer then lowered a rescue collar to the boat below, hoisted the man to the helicopter and transported him to a nearby landing zone.

The man was cold and tired, but uninjured, the CHP said.

Timber Cove firefighters and the Coast Guard also responded to the call.

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