A Coast Guard aircrew circles above a lifeguard and a surfer in the water before hoisting the surfer into the helicopter near Montara State Beach in Half Moon Bay, California, July 8, 2018. After the surfer became stranded on some rocks, the lifeguard helped the surfer swim into open water so the Coast Guard crew could conduct the hoist and transfer him to emergency medical services personnel waiting on shore.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard and an East Bay Regional Parks lifeguard rescued a surfer who was stranded on the rocks near Half Moon Bay, Sunday.
A man hiking on a cliff above the rocks contacted Coast Guard Sector San Francisco watchstanders around 1:45 p.m. to request help for the surfer, who was stuck on the rocks and unable to get to shore.
A Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew and a Coast Guard Station Golden Gate boat crew launched to assist.
The East Bay Regional Parks lifeguard helped the man swim into open water so the Coast Guard aircrew could hoist him. The lifeguard then swam to shore, and the helicopter crew transferred the surfer to emergency medical services personnel waiting near the beach with no reported injuries.
"This is a perfect example of teamwork in action, from the good Samaritan who made the call to the lifeguard who helped the surfer back into the water so we could hoist him," said Coast Guard Lt. Anders Manley, who co-piloted the helicopter for the hoist. "It proves that keeping the Bay Area safe is a team effort, especially as more people get out on the water to enjoy summertime weather."
The Coast Guard aircrew consisted of Lt. Sam Hafensteiner, pilot; Lt. Anders Manley, co-pilot; Petty Officer 2nd Class Eli Bell, a rescue swimmer; and Petty Officer 3rd Class Dylan Langley, an avionics electrical technician.
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