FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

SAUSALITO, CA — Five adults were safely rescued Tuesday morning after their recreational vessel began rapidly taking on water in Richardson Bay near Belvedere.

At approximately 10:20 a.m. on June 30, emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting that a small white boat carrying five people was taking on water near Spinnaker Drive in Sausalito. The caller advised dispatchers that all five occupants were wearing life jackets as the vessel continued to flood.

As the situation worsened, the boat's occupants attempted to maneuver toward shore, eventually beaching the vessel against the rocks on the Belvedere shoreline. Dispatch updates indicated the boat was filling with water, listing heavily, and in danger of capsizing before emergency responders arrived.

A coordinated multi-agency marine rescue response was launched involving the Southern Marin Fire District, Tiburon Fire Protection District, Marin County Fire, and the United States Coast Guard. Rescue watercraft and fire boats were deployed while firefighters monitored the vessel's location from shore.

Responders reached the scene and safely evacuated all five occupants from the shoreline to Fire Boat Liberty. None of the passengers were injured, and all declined medical evaluation. The disabled vessel remained secured to shoreline rocks for later recovery by the Coast Guard. Officials also confirmed there was no fuel leak or environmental hazard associated with the incident.

The incident concluded shortly after 11:00 a.m. with all rescue resources returning to service. The successful outcome highlights the importance of wearing properly fitted life jackets and the effectiveness of coordinated emergency response on the water.

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As the summer boating season continues, Southern Marin Fire District reminds all boaters to prepare before heading into open water.

Open Water Boating Safety Checklist:

• Check the weather forecast, wind conditions, tides, and marine advisories before departing.
• Inspect your vessel to ensure it is mechanically sound and has adequate fuel.
• Make sure everyone on board has a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket—and wear it.
• Carry all required safety equipment, including fire extinguishers, visual distress signals, navigation lights, sound-producing devices, and throwable flotation devices.
• Bring a reliable means of communication, such as a fully charged cell phone in a waterproof case or a VHF marine radio.
• File a float plan with a friend or family member, including your destination, planned route, passengers, and expected return time.
• Know your vessel's capabilities and avoid operating beyond its limits or in conditions that exceed your experience.