Press release from the Eureka Police Department:

On October 29, 2025, at about 5:25 p.m., a Eureka Police Department (EPD) Community Safety Engagement Team (CSET) Sergeant, Patrol Officers, and members of Humboldt Bay Fire (HBF) were dispatched to a report of a suspicious person and possible water rescue in Humboldt Bay near the Slough Bridge. The reporting party indicated an individual appeared to be walking into the water.

Upon arrival, HBF and EPD personnel observed a male approximately 50 yards from shore, moving erratically and continuing further out into the Bay. HBF rescue swimmers deployed to contact the individual; however, upon contact, it became apparent that the individual was experiencing a mental health crisis and was uncooperative with rescue efforts.

Due to the individual’s location, HBF was unable to safely deploy their larger vessel and requested assistance from the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for a smaller, more maneuverable vessel. As daylight diminished, the situation posed increasing safety risks to both the individual and responding personnel. To assist, HCSO deployed a drone to provide aerial lighting and real-time footage to Incident Command. Mental health professionals from the Crisis Alternative Response of Eureka (CARE) program were also notified.

After approximately two and a half hours of coordinated efforts, the individual ultimately complied with first responders and agreed to board the HCSO vessel. With assistance from the drone’s aerial lighting, the individual was safely transported back to shore, where ambulance personnel provided medical attention. The individual was then transported to a nearby hospital and placed on a mental health hold for evaluation and care.

The Eureka Police Department would like to extend its gratitude to the Humboldt Bay Fire Department and the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their collaboration. EPD and HBF would like to thank the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance as their personnel and resources were instrumental in ensuring the safety of both first responders and the individual involved.