Previously: What Went Down Jan. 9, 2024

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Press release from the Arcata Fire District:

ARCATA, CA - On January 9, 2024, just before 6:00 P.M., Arcata Fire District units were dispatched to the South I Street Arcata Marsh area for the report of a water rescue. The Fortuna Cal Fire ECC requested Humboldt Bay Fire respond with their rescue swimmer. Upon arrival, Arcata Fire personnel contacted Arcata Police Officers who were in verbal communication with a 15-year-old male who was stranded on an island in the marsh. Due to low tide and steep muddy embankments, the juvenile was unable to make his way to the shore.

Arcata Fire and Arcata Police units established visual contact with the juvenile who was approximately 200 yards from shore. Weather conditions were deteriorating, and personnel determined through verbal assessment that the juvenile was becoming hypothermic. As fire personnel attempted to find possible access paths across the sloughs and marsh areas to the juvenile, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter was requested to the scene.

The USCG helicopter was in the area and arrived within minutes of the request. The helicopter crew hoisted the juvenile and transported him to nearby Arcata Fire personnel on shore who assessed the patient and transferred him to an awaiting ambulance.

Arcata Fire District would like to recognize the team effort of the Arcata Police Department, Arcata Fire District, Arcata-Mad River Ambulance, Cal Fire Emergency Communications Center, Humboldt Bay Fire and the United States Coast Guard.

This incident may have had a much different outcome if it wasn’t for the coordination of multiple agencies and the availability of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter in this area.