Handheld radio saves kitesurfer in San Francisco Bay

March 17, 2010 | Kiteboarding
San Francisco Bay: too big, too easy to get lost

A stranded kitesurfer was saved by the US Coast Guard and the Good Samaritan after using his waterproof handheld radio transmitter to call for help in San Francisco Bay, California.

At 5:20 pm, the kitesurfer lost his board four miles north of the San Mateo Bridge and 4 miles east of the San Francisco International Airport.

As the US Coast Guard received the rescue plea, all boats in the area were warned and called to help.

The kitesurfer was found in 54 degrees Fahrenheit waters and then transported to the Sequoia Hospital in Redwood City.

The US Coast Guard recommends windsurfers and kitesurfers to carry a VHF radio and a flare, if possible, in order to ask for help in case of an emergency.