On Thursday, December 10th, the Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office dispatch center received a call reporting a capsized vessel near the area of Enderts Beach just south of Crescent City.
Deputy Stewart and Deputy Fahndrich were on patrol and began responding to the scene after Dispatcher Stevens was able to ascertain and relay the necessary information setting rescue efforts in motion including a US Coast Guard deployed a helicopter and additional Deputies.
Once the upside-down vessel was spotted, deputies made their way down a trail from the roadway and traversed a lengthy stretch of beach by foot. Deputy Stewart estimated the small boat to be about 80 yards from the shoreline. Taking into consideration the water temperature and time it would take for another boat to respond, he chose to enter the water.
After removing the gear that would weigh him down, Deputy Stewart put on a life jacket and secured a rope around himself. Deputy Fahndrich held on to the other end of the rope and they made their way to the vessel. Once out to the boat, Deputy Stewart was able to make contact with someone inside it by striking the vessel with his hands. The fisherman was utilizing an air pocket and did not want to leave his fellow fisherman behind. Deputy Stewart coached him out and pulled him to shore.
Making his way back to boat, Deputy Stewart was able to confirm another passenger was beneath it. Deputy Stewart also noticed a gas leak. The United States Coast Guard landed their helicopter on the nearby shore and Lieutenant O’Neill made his way to the vessel along with Deputies Owen, Downing and Fahndrich.
While Deputies Fahndrich, Owen and Downing were able raise one side of the boat, Deputy Stewart and Lieutenant O’Neill successfully removed the second trapped fisherman. He was taken to shore as well, and both men were transported from the scene for medical needs.
