The man, who was from Sacramento, was reportedly fishing in Gerstle Cove, about 70 miles north of San Francisco. Photo: Sonoma County Sheriff
At 10:41 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, Sonoma County, California first responders were dispatched to Gerstle Cove with reports that a man had been carried out to sea by a wave. A helicopter rescue team was able to locate the man within minutes, bring him back to land, and carry out CPR. However, he sadly was pronounced deceased at 11:26 a.m.
Authorities identified the man as 43-year-old Shanglong Tang of Sacramento, California. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Tang and his fishing partner were standing on the rocks at Gerstle Cove, about 70 miles north of San Francisco, when a wave struck them. Tang was swept into the ocean, while his partner remained on the rocks and was rescued.
The incident occurred under a warning of hazardous, big surf pounding the Northern and Central California coasts. U.S. National Weather Service San Francisco Bay Area reminded beachgoers to never turn their back on the ocean and listen to safety advice of local officials.
“Breaking waves up to 20 feet along west-facing beaches will lead to an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents, creating hazardous and life-threatening conditions for beachgoers,” read the alert. “Breaking waves can sweep people and debris off jetties and docks, and into cold dangerous seas with stronger currents than normal.”
San Francisco Fire Captain Samuel Menchaca also strongly urged people to avoid the beach during the swell event.
“Even at ankle level it can sweep you out there,” said Menchaca. “Inexperienced swimmers, inexperienced surfers, need to be very aware of these conditions and it is our recommendation to stay out of the water at this time and come back on a day that’s more calm.”
