Benthos
Contributor
Things have always been a little high strung on the North Coast. Between CHP, DFG, rangers and lifeguards a pair of eyes may be glassing you even in remote places (especially on weekends in ab season). Introduce yourself to the local crew. Let them know who you are and what your doing before you do it. That way if they see you kick 1500yds. out to your favorite spot you will not insight a panic. Keep an eye on the bluffs (especially if your doing something different), if you see officials, give them an OK before a helicopter arrives. I know there's been a lot of turn over in the north area personnel this year but everyone is very friendly and good people. Say hello if you can but especially if you are doing something that might "worry" them. If our two mystery divers are out there please PM me.
It did make for a very peaceful day in the north area though:
"Saturday May 5 rescuers search for missing divers
Scotty Creek May 5, 2007 -------- Legions of rescuers launched a desperate effort Saturday after two scuba divers were reported missing at Scotty Creek. A film crew doing a commercial for Kawasaki saw two divers enter the surf and not return. They called 911 about an hour after the divers in black and blue dry suits and scuba tanks went in the water. An underwater "scooter" – used for transportation – washed up onto Gleason Beach at Scotty Creek. The film crew – not associated with the divers – found the scooter and figured the divers were in trouble.
Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputies responded with their boat – The Mussell Point – moored at Spud Point Marina. Sheriff's helicopter, Henry-One, responded from the Sonoma County Airport. Local Deputy Charlie Bone responded. State Park Rangers and Lifeguards responded. Bodega Bay Fire and ambulance was also on scene ready to help. Bodega Bay Coast Guard Station sent a lifeboat and a helicopter from Alameda Station. [CHP H-30 was cruising the coast as well]
Three Lifeguards entered the water, one at the south end of Portuguese Beach, two at Scotty Creek.
The boats watched outside of the rock line cruising the area. The helicopters flew overhead repeatedly scanning for any sign of the divers. State Park Rangers watched from the cliff tops. The Lifeguards swam north against the nearshore current. The other two lifeguard swam out toward several large rocks that are interesting to divers. Another State Park Ranger checked cars at Scotty Creek and at the nearby parking areas for an unaccounted vehicle.
State Park Rangers and Bodega Bay Fire called off the active search after 40 minutes. By then the divers would certainly be out of air. Helicopter Henry-One flew back to Sonoma County Airport. Shortly afterwards the Coast Guard helicopter was recalled to another search underway in San Francisco Bay. [H-30 went up to play in the north area]
Shortly after, the two divers walked out of the surf at Scotty Creek.
They were diving with a special air tanks and air that allowed just over two hours underwater.
They had lost their scooter and gave up finding it. The divers were unharmed and the rescuers had a live training exercise."
A good time was had by all.
Conditions: An upwelling affair. Vis 2+ ft. (perhaps less in the south area), hardly anything in the way of swell, but moderate gusts out of the northwest kicking up chop and mild to moderate long shore currents, surface temp 48, Russian north but primarily south with heavy siltation due to the rains (hence why an exposed south area beach for a dive? MF Eel's?).
It did make for a very peaceful day in the north area though:
"Saturday May 5 rescuers search for missing divers
Scotty Creek May 5, 2007 -------- Legions of rescuers launched a desperate effort Saturday after two scuba divers were reported missing at Scotty Creek. A film crew doing a commercial for Kawasaki saw two divers enter the surf and not return. They called 911 about an hour after the divers in black and blue dry suits and scuba tanks went in the water. An underwater "scooter" – used for transportation – washed up onto Gleason Beach at Scotty Creek. The film crew – not associated with the divers – found the scooter and figured the divers were in trouble.
Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputies responded with their boat – The Mussell Point – moored at Spud Point Marina. Sheriff's helicopter, Henry-One, responded from the Sonoma County Airport. Local Deputy Charlie Bone responded. State Park Rangers and Lifeguards responded. Bodega Bay Fire and ambulance was also on scene ready to help. Bodega Bay Coast Guard Station sent a lifeboat and a helicopter from Alameda Station. [CHP H-30 was cruising the coast as well]
Three Lifeguards entered the water, one at the south end of Portuguese Beach, two at Scotty Creek.
The boats watched outside of the rock line cruising the area. The helicopters flew overhead repeatedly scanning for any sign of the divers. State Park Rangers watched from the cliff tops. The Lifeguards swam north against the nearshore current. The other two lifeguard swam out toward several large rocks that are interesting to divers. Another State Park Ranger checked cars at Scotty Creek and at the nearby parking areas for an unaccounted vehicle.
State Park Rangers and Bodega Bay Fire called off the active search after 40 minutes. By then the divers would certainly be out of air. Helicopter Henry-One flew back to Sonoma County Airport. Shortly afterwards the Coast Guard helicopter was recalled to another search underway in San Francisco Bay. [H-30 went up to play in the north area]
Shortly after, the two divers walked out of the surf at Scotty Creek.
They were diving with a special air tanks and air that allowed just over two hours underwater.
They had lost their scooter and gave up finding it. The divers were unharmed and the rescuers had a live training exercise."
A good time was had by all.
Conditions: An upwelling affair. Vis 2+ ft. (perhaps less in the south area), hardly anything in the way of swell, but moderate gusts out of the northwest kicking up chop and mild to moderate long shore currents, surface temp 48, Russian north but primarily south with heavy siltation due to the rains (hence why an exposed south area beach for a dive? MF Eel's?).