Kayaker dies of Mendocino Coast

http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_16702606?source=rss&nclick_check=1

Body off Mendocino believed to be that of Mountain View kayaker
Associated Press
Posted: 11/24/2010 11:48:30 AM PST
Updated: 11/24/2010 11:54:38 AM PST

MENDOCINO -- The Coast Guard has pulled a body from the waters off the Mendocino County coast that matches the description of a kayaker who was reported missing.

Coast Guard spokesman Erik Swanson says rescuers found what they believe is the body of 56-year-old Donnie Foster in Mendocino Bay around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday. The body has been turned over to the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office, which is working to confirm the identity.

Foster was reported missing Tuesday. Authorities say he took his seven-foot whitewater kayak out in the area of Big River and Mendocino Bay around 3 p.m.

The Mountain View resident was apparently visiting Mendocino with his wife for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Search efforts included Coast Guard boats, helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft.

  That is terribly sad. If he was in a little boat like that he might have been surfing. He must have thought he was going to be safe to go out alone like that. I wonder what he was thinking. Maybe he had a heart attack. I just can't imagine what it was like for his wife that night.

Just sad and pointless

Sorry to hear this news... God bless the family...  Just goes to show we really need to get our safety down packed.

Very sad indeed.

RIP my brother hope you are up there paddling in the great flat seas of heaven !

    Terribly sad, reminds you of how dangerous it can get out there. So sad.

Just heard about this incident from our neighbors. God Bless and well wishes to the family.

Sad. I feel for his family.

 

Poor Dude

An expanded report in the press this am. No experience in the area. No helmet. No PFD. No wetsuit. No radio. This guy was in fleece pants with a windbreaker on. Darwinism at its finest. Although he wasnt from Sacramento.

my mom called me to make sure I was till coming over for dinner (and it was not me).
funny thing is that I was invited to spend this weekend up there w friends... RIP donnie foster.