Boogie boarders plucked from sea in dramatic rescue
By: Associated Press | ∞
McKINLEYVILLE -- A U.S. Coast Guard crew in Humboldt County took part in a daring sea rescue, plucking two boogie boarders from an onslaught of rough waves off Samoa Beach.
Two teenage boys were found clinging to a single boogie board for flotation at about 4:30 p.m. Wednesday after a strong riptide dragged them away from shore.
A helicopter rescue swimmer was lowered from a helicopter and was able to get a strap around the first boy, and quickly hoisted him aboard. The second boy lost his grip on the boogie board and had to be snatched from the powerful waves by hand.
"They were physically exhausted, and extremely grateful when we arrived to save them," said Coast Guard Petty Officer Dave Beacham.
The boys did not require medical treatment and were taken back to the beach to collect their belongings.
Dramatic video footage of the event shows the rescue swimmer and the boys being pounded by the strong waves.
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