Coast Guard Rescues Four in Suisun Bay

On Saturday, a 22-ft sailboat ran aground and began taking on water on Suisun Bay near Port Chicago in Concord. Onboard was a family of four, including a mother, father and two children. At about 1:30 p.m., the father radioed the Coast Guard for help. A boat crew from Vallejo was diverted to the scene, as well as the Solano County Sheriff. 

"Due to the shallow depth of the water, the boat crews could not reach the sailing vessel. The Coast Guard helicopter crew lowered the flight rescue swimmer," a Coast Guard press release said. All four passengers were safely hoisted off the vessel, and were reported in good health.

"I’m glad we were near the location of the vessel at the time of the call and were able to get on scene in a matter of minutes to conduct the hoist," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Bradley Sorrell, who was on his first-ever rescue. "It was a proud day for me as it hits close to home, being that I have two kids myself. Seeing the family of four make it home safely is why we do this job."

As of Saturday, the 22-ft boat was still aground in two to three feet of water. 

This is the second rescue in Suisun Bay in the last few months. In May, a fishing boat "crashed into the shore near Suisun Slough," according to ABC News. In that incident, the Coast Guard airlifted four people off the boat.

There are of course hundred of boats that safely sail the endless nooks and crannies of the Bay every day without incident, but these two groundings have made us curious about Suisun Bay itself. The entrance to the Delta is known for its big winds, steep chop and abrupt shallows, but if you have any local knowledge of the area, we’d like to know.