helicopter rescue Sonoma coast

Since everyone made it home safely, I feel ok indulging my curiosity...what happens to the kayaks in these situations? out to sea forever?

Not forever (usually).   A commercial salvor (or good samaritan) usually picks them up and returns them to safe harbor.  I say "usually" because sometimes there are no good samaritans that volunteer and craft owners may choose not to pay a commercial salvor.  Back in the 80s, the commercial salvor industry raised hell about the USCG and local authorities doing their work for free (tax dollars at work), and now the government agencies have their hands tied when it comes to these types of matters.

Since everyone made it home safely, I feel ok indulging my curiosity...what happens to the kayaks in these situations? out to sea forever?

according to sfchronicle, a land team came and retrieved the yaks the next day for them. tho i remember when Cyril Derreumaux failed on his first attempt to kayak to hawaii last year, the coast guard saved him and he later was asking around social media for someone with a boat to help him retrieve his multi-thousand dollar kayak (which had active gps)

I have seen on different occasions the CG bring a tandem kayak back with the 2 people they rescued at bodega, as well as a private boat bringing back a single kayak and kayaker they rescued.

I have also seen, in Tomales bay, a rental company leave all they kayaks (over a dozen) on hog island while the group got rescued. They came back a week later and retrieved the kayaks 1 by 1.

I have seen on different occasions the CG bring a tandem kayak back with the 2 people they rescued at bodega, as well as a private boat bringing back a single kayak and kayaker they rescued.

I have also seen, in Tomales bay, a rental company leave all they kayaks (over a dozen) on hog island while the group got rescued. They came back a week later and retrieved the kayaks 1 by 1.

Yeah, of course it's a lot more nuanced than I mentioned.  I meant in the case of a helicopter rescue.  If a USCG boat goes out, then it's easily justified to bring the craft back.  Also, if there are units in the area of a helo rescue, we could easilly justify it by saying the vessel would be a hazard to navigation.

I agree, I've seen this a fair bit lately, too. No wetsuit, drysuit, or PFD.

But when you've got $2000 in electronics, another $3000 in rods/reels...what can possibly go wrong.  No need for any safety.

Isn't it their right to personal freedom to wear whatever they think is comfortable?

Isn't it their right to personal freedom to wear whatever they think is comfortable?
  Of course they can wear whatever they want in the ocean. Freedom is king. The problem is when they get into trouble and call for help, then they are putting others in danger.

I don't understand why these guys needed helicopter rescue. Were they taking on water or lose their paddle? Seems like they could have waited out the tide change or paddled over to Dillon beach and landed.

Dad couldn't miss his afternoon zoom call and the kids were in a deadly fortnight withdrawal so severe that only a bargeload of narcan would suffice.




No, IDK.  I only presume that when someone calls mayday they subjectively and sincerely feel they actually need rescue, which is what USCG must also presume in good faith.  I doubt CG protocol is to authenticate objective need with second guesses, since time is essential, they just obtain LKP and spin up resources and platforms.  probably any such call triggers mandatory response.         

https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/4-lost-kayakers-rescued-by-sheriff-s-helicopter-crew/vi-AA14IazB?ocid=msedgntp