San Rafael Firefighters, Pleasure Boater Pull Sailor from San Rafael Bay

Local authorities rescued a sailor Monday evening after he fell overboard roughly a mile from San Rafael’s Loch Lomond Marina.

Boaters who were sailing with the overboard man were unable to bring him back into the vessel due to wind and choppy waves, according to San Rafael Fire Chief Chris Gray.

The sailor had been in the cold water for several minutes when firefighters arrived at the marina, Gray said.

The fire crew asked a boater who was coming toward the launch ramp to help them with the rescue and the boater agreed.

Within minutes, the rescuers arrived at the scene and pulled the sailor from the water and worked to get him warm and dry, Gray said.

Southern Marin Fire Department’s Liberty Fireboat, based in Sausalito, arrived on the scene after the rescue and transported the sailor to the marina.

“The patient actually fared well given the challenges of the experience and elected not to go to the hospital for further evaluation,” Gray said. “Boaters are urged to be cautious with changing weather and water conditions and to be adequately prepared. Always wear a life vest.”