Abby Sunderland, a 16-year old teenager from California, was rescued on June 19, 2010 from her broken boat drifting in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Despite her familiarity with the water and sailing, high winds and rough water damaged the mast of her vessel leaving her boat adrift in the ocean. Her radio transmitter was also damaged, making it difficult for her request help.
Taking a boating safety course is not only required by California law, but is important to keep you and your family safe.
49 year-old Matthew Runte of Walnut Creek died on November 27, 2009, when his sailboat capsized off the coast of Half Moon Bay. His sailboat capsized in rough waters just south of Pillar Point.
After the sailboat capsized, Coast Guard officials reported that a flare was spotted at sea. Personnel from Pillar Point Harbor patrol, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Half Moon Bay Fire Department assisted in the recovery.