Del Norte Sheriff dispatch received a call at approximately 9:00am Monday morning, March 30th, from a resident in Gasquet that someone was across the river (Smith River) and yelling for help off of Toad Road.
Del Norte Sheriff’s Office and Smith River Swift Water Rescue swam and paddled a kayak across the river and located a 65 year old male.
The man reportedly fell off of a deck the night before around 10:00pm Sunday night and was incredibly able to make his way to shore, across the river where he stayed all night until someone heard him Monday morning.
Gasquet Fire maneuvered a litter down Forest Service Road 17N49 by foot. First responders were then able to get him on the litter and place him on the kayak. He was ferried back across the river and transported for medical attention.
A big thanks goes out to the good Samaritan who let us borrow her inflatable kayak, Gasquet Fire, Smith River Swift Water Rescue and the DNSO!
