The U.S. Coast Guard and San Francisco Police Department Marine Police rescued 15 Sea Scouts and one adult clinging to the side of a capsized catamaran Saturday afternoon.
The Coast Guard was notified Saturday at approximately 3:30 p.m. from a passing ferry vessel that a 30-foot sailing vessel had capsized in the vicinity of Aquatic Beach Park. Coast Guard Station Golden Gate launched a boat crew to assist the Marine Police and arrived on-scene at approximately 3:45 p.m. The crews located 16 boaters in the water, all of whom were wearing lifejackets at the time of the rescue.
All 16 boaters were rescued from the water and transferred to local EMS. There were no reports of injuries.
"This rescue illustrates the vital importance of safety equipment for all seasoned and recreational boaters," said Lt. j.g. Nicole Emmons, Public Affairs Officer for Coast Guard Sector San Francisco. "The Coast Guard recommends the use of a registered EPIRB, PPIRB, fully functioning marine band radio and proper use of life jackets."