An Auxiliary Aircraft on routine patrol spotted a sail in the waters off Sherman's Island State Wild Area, Friday.

After the Pilot, Auxiliarist Dan Lavi dropped 500' in altitude, was Air Observer, Auxiliarist Sue Fry able to discern that the Sail was without a person. Upon closer scrutiny the AuxAir Crew determined that it was a Sail Kite, and the Surfer was no longer able to control the craft. High Winds was causing the Surfer to be dragged through the water.

The AuxAir Crew notified Coast Guard Group San Francisco, which was involved in several other missions. The Crew then contacted Station Rio Vista, but their closest asset was 45 minutes away.

Given this information, the Crew explained to Station Rio Vista their concerns and an urgent message (PAN PAN) was issued to all boaters in the vicinity. Two vessels responded to the Coast Guard's call for assistance.

The Auxiliary Aircraft maintained a tight circular flight around the surfer as both a beacon to the responding recreational boaters/good Samaritans and as a guard for the surfer. First to arrive was a 20' speed boat, which removed the surfer from the water. The Auxiliary Aircraft maintained an escort for the speed boat, that put in at the Sherman's Island launching ramp.

The surfer was unable to leave the boat unassisted, so the speed boat was removed from the water by trailer. Upon his removal, the Auxiliary Aircraft radioed Group San Francisco of the successful rescue and resume patrol.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is composed of uniformed, non-military volunteer civilians who assist the Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its 30,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.

FMI: www.cgaux.org