Marin County, CA, USA - May 5, 2024

In a swift response to a distress call, Henry-1 helicopter sprang into action today at approximately 2:35 PM, summoned by the Marin County Fire Department to assist with an overturned boat situation in Tomales Bay. The helicopter had just concluded a water rescue demonstration at the Bodega Bay Fisherman’s Festival and promptly mobilized to the scene.

Remarkably, Henry-1 reached the overturned vessel in a mere seven minutes from the moment of dispatch. Upon arrival, the crew encountered a precarious scene: the boat lay capsized in the middle of the bay, with two individuals desperately clinging to its side and two more perched atop the upturned hull.

Henry-1 swiftly initiated a long-line rescue operation. The Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) and a Sheriff’s Paramedic were airlifted to the victims, commencing the meticulous extraction process. With the TFO carefully retrieving each victim, one by one, the Paramedic remained on standby to provide immediate assistance to those still aboard the stricken vessel.

Following the successful rescue, all individuals were airlifted to a nearby residence and transferred into the care of awaiting Marin County Fire Department Ambulance personnel.