(KRON) – After a boat with five people on board, including a 6-year-old, capsized Saturday in rough ocean waters near Tomales Point in North Bay, bystanders rushed to help with the rescue, according to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities were alerted to the situation at 11:53 a.m. and the Sheriff’s Office responded with a Henry-1 rescue helicopter. When the air crew arrived at the mouth of Tomales Bay near Point, they saw several victims in the water and began preparing for a long rescue operation, SCSO said.
Other boaters who heard about the incident took “heroic” action and launched their own boat from Lawson’s Landing to help, the sheriff’s office said. Passers-by were able to save three people from the freezing water, including a 6-year-old child.
Meanwhile, the Henry-1 finds two survivors who arrive at a remote cove in the area. Authorities said the air crew recovered the two victims, who were suffering from exposure to cold water.
The 6-year-old and two adults were taken to an area hospital after being rescued.
The California Highway Patrol, Marin County Fire Department, U.S. Coast Guard and Sonoma County Fire District also assisted in the response.