The Del Norte Sheriff’s Office received reports Sunday afternoon, June 6th, of an individual stranded on a rock in the Pacific Ocean near White Rock Resort in Smith River. Deputies responded to the location to make visual contact with the individual as other Deputies were dispatched to assist in the rescue.
Witnesses reported the person had been stuck on the rock for several hours due to an incoming tide. The rock was located approximately 100 yards off shore and periodically being washed over by waves nearly knocking the man off many times and creating a very dangerous situation should the subject be forced off. With the tide due to rise until high tide at 10:00pm, it was determined that the stranded individual was at significant risk of being washed off the rock and significantly injured or perish in the surf.
Two Del Norte Sheriff’s Deputies deployed into the surf from the shoreline and swam to the subject on the rock. After several minutes of fighting the surf, they were able to reach the subject and swim him back to shore. The rescued individual was transported to Sutter Coast Hospital by ambulance.
Sheriff Apperson said “I am never short of amazed by how quickly DNSO staff coordinates and responds. This event serves as a reminder that we are here and willing to do what needs to be done so that our communities are safe. All of the deputies and support staff that coordinated and participated in this response are heroes. I would like to especially recognize Sergeant Ortega and Deputy Lucero for their efforts. The ocean is a dangerous, unforgiving and unpredictable environment. They put themselves in harms way so that another person may continue to live. They are the definition of selfless and exemplary first responders.”
