Shortly after 7 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, Alameda Fire (AFD) and Police (APD) departments, along with Oakland Fire and the Coast Guard, responded to distress calls about a boat taking on water near the rock wall adjacent to the Encinal Boat Ramp. Due to high winds and rising tide, a person aboard was not able to safely get off the boat, according to AFD reports on Facebook [1] and Instagram [2].
[3]The total emergency response involved two fire engines, one truck company, one rescue company, one ambulance, the Alameda CARE Team, one Battalion Chief, Alameda Fireboat 1, Oakland Fire Marine 1, and two staff captains, AFD noted.
Upon arrival, the first staff captain found an approximately 25-foot sailboat against the rock wall. A 68-year-old person was on board, according to APD reports on Facebook [4] and Instagram [5].
”Fire crews made contact with the victim, who requested to be removed from the vessel,” AFD stated. “While crews awaited the arrival of Fireboat 1 to conduct the rescue, the vessel’s anchor line broke allowing the vessel to drift freely with the swell into the boat ramp dock. Crews were then able to extricate the victim off the boat.”
The victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The vessel was secured to the boat ramp dock. Alameda Public Works was advised of the incident and the damage to the Encinal Boat Ramp dock.
[6]Noting that a Coastal Flood Advisory is in effect for the Bay Area, APD advised local residents to take the following precautions near our shorelines:
- Ensure boats and equipment are secure. Check moorings, lines, and anchors.
- Always ensure safety gear is accessible.
- Do not swim, kayak, or paddleboard during high surf, strong currents, or flood advisories.
- Postpone boating trips.
“If you see someone in distress on the water, call 911 immediately,” AFD stated. “Do not attempt to rescue the individual yourself. Your safety is our top priority. Please take precautions and wait until conditions are safe before returning to recreational water activities.”