A kayaker stranded in San Francisco’s frigid waters got lucky after a joint-effort rescue near the Bay Bridge.
The San Francisco Police Department’s Marine Unit and Drone as First Responder (DFR) Team responded alongside the San Francisco Fire Department to rescue the kayaker Thursday afternoon.
A 911 caller reported an overturned kayak near the San Francisco Ferry Building late Thursday afternoon.
Video posted on Instagram by SFPD showed drone footage of the capsized kayak around 2:41 p.m.
A second 911 caller reported that one kayaker, who was wearing a life jacket, had made it safely to shore. However, the boater’s companion still remained in the water.
An SFPD drone located the overturned kayak, followed by a San Francisco Fire Department boat. Officers recovered the kayak and a paddle behind Fire Station 35.
One of the callers then said they could hear someone under the westernmost column of the Bay Bridge.
SFPD Marine Unit officers rescued the man from the water, then transferred him to the fire department’s boat.
“This rescue is a reminder to prepare before heading out on the bay,” SFPD wrote on Instagram. “Conditions can change quickly, and cold water and strong currents can put even experienced paddlers at risk.”
SFPD also reminded paddlers to always wear a life jacket, carry a cell phone in a waterproof pouch or dry bag, check the weather, tides and currents before launching and to let others know of their trip itinerary.
The incident happened just one day before the city’s Fleet Week weekend began Friday morning. After a busy Thursday afternoon, the SFPD Marine Unit hit the water this morning to kick off the annual celebration with the Parade of Ships.
