On Sunday afternoon, August 17th, multiple agencies including the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department, Shelter Cove Fire, CAL FIRE, and the U.S. Coast Guard, were dispatched to the area of Mal Coombs Park in Shelter Cove for the report of a small aircraft accident, which according to the reporting party, had crashed into the water approximately 100 yards offshore.
A Shelter Cove Fire Duty Officer and rescue swimmer were the first to arrive on scene, located the wreckage and two victims in the water approximately 80 and 200 yards offshore of Little Black Sands Beach, of which one victim had made it to the beach.
Shelter Cove Fire personnel quickly deployed into the water, recovered the victims, and provided emergency medical care. One victim was stabilized at the scene and transported by air ambulance to an out-of-area hospital with major injuries.
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff Office’s press release, the second victim was pronounced deceased at the scene and was released to the Humboldt County Coroner’s Office. The identity of the deceased is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.
A preliminary investigation indicates the plane took off from the Shelter Cove Airport, turned west, and shortly after plunged into the ocean. Both occupants are believed to be out-of-county residents.
