Community Corner
Coast Guard Suspends Search in Tomales Bay for Possible Distressed Boater
Search prompted by red flare sighting in area.
The U.S. Coast Guard this morning suspended a search for a boater in distress in Tomales Bay.
A man called 911 from the Lawson's Landing area around 9:20 p.m. Monday to report seeing a red flare sent up from the other side of Tomales Bay, Coast Guard Senior Chief Petty Officer Aaron Bretz said.
The man also said he saw three flashlights on the beach, Bretz said.
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It was too hazardous to launch a Coast Guard boat at night because of the fog and low visibility, but the National Park Service searched the area in its boat with a Coast Guard member on board, Bretz said.
Park rangers illuminated the area with flares during the search, which was suspended at about 3 a.m. yesterday after no distressed boater was found, Bretz said.
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The Coast Guard launched a 25-foot boat from Bodega Bay at 7:40 a.m. today but found no boat debris or other signs of an accident, Bretz said.
"We saturated the area with two boats and a helicopter. We're wrapping up the search and the boat will return shortly," Bretz said mid-morning.
- Bay City News
