DAVENPORT — Amid high surf and looming darkness, emergency responders were called to rescue a kite surfer struggling a mile offshore from Scotts Beach.
Shortly after 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, a caller reported a kitesurfer north of Davenport Landing who was unable to return to shore. Cal Fire CZU unit responded in conjunction with the Santa Cruz Fire Department, California State Parks, Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Coast Guard’s Air Station San Francisco and America Medical Response.
Upon arrival, the Santa Cruz Fire and Coast Guard rescue swimmers paddled out to the surfer as the sun was setting, according to Santa Cruz Fire. Battalion Chief Josh Coleman said in a video posted to the department’s social media that the kite surfer was in distress, waving his arms and screaming for help when they arrived.
After darkness fell, the Coast Guard crew used a basket to hoist the kite surfer and three rescue responders into the helicopter before transporting the group back to shore. The rescue was challenged by an atmospheric river leading to high surf conditions.
“We had about 15 minutes left of daylight, and then the swimmers had pretty significant swell in the water to access the patient,” Santa Cruz Fire engineer Clayton Powell said in the video post.
No one was injured in the rescue operation, officials said.
When those in the water were airlifted out, rescue swimmers opted to leave behind two rescue surfboards and rescue tubes to “ensure a safe operation,” according to a Santa Cruz Fire social media post. The department is asking anyone who discovers the equipment washing ashore to call 831-420-5280 to arrange its return.
