Photos provided by Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

 

On Tuesday three teenagers, two of which were non swimmers, became stranded when they lost their recreational flotation devices in swift water on the South Fork of the Smith River. Del Norte Sheriff’s Search & Rescue was called out to effect the rescue deploying rescue swimmers and swift water rescue techniques. The teenagers were hoisted by USCG helicopter and transported to Sutter Coast Hospital.

Assisting agencies included the Smith River Volunteer Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, United States Coast Guard, and Del Norte Ambulance.

Thank you to all organizations involved with helping to bring these folks to safety.

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United States Coast Guard press release: 

 

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard rescued three teenagers Tuesday from the Smith River approximately seven miles east of the U.S. Highway 101 bridge in Crescent City. 

Del Norte County Sheriff personnel contacted Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay watch-standers at approximately 5:50 p.m., reporting that three teenagers became stranded after their vessel capsized and they needed a helicopter to assist in the rescue.

A Coast Guard Air Station Humboldt Bay MH-65 Dolphin helicopter rescue crew launched and arrived on scene at approximately 6:45 p.m. The helicopter rescue crew hoisted all three teenagers into the helicopter transferring one to shore and the other two teenagers were taken to Crescent City Airport where they were met by awaiting Emergency Medical Personnel.
There were no serious injuries reported.

“Assisting local partner agencies is a vital part of the Coast Guard mission in our remote area of operations,” said Lt. Alex Lloyd, a Dolphin aircraft commander. “The quick response by the Del Norte County Sheriff Department and outstanding coordination and communication between agencies allowed us to remove three youths from a very dangerous situation to safety.”