Cal Fire footage shows a helicopter crew rescuing a kiteboarder who was using rocks to spell “HELP” on a beach near Santa Cruz, California, June 10, 2024. (Cal Fire)
A kite surfer stranded on a cliffside beach in California was rescued Sunday after using stones to spell the word “HELP,” officials said.
The San Mateo and Santa Cruz unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) said a private helicopter spotted the kite surfer’s makeshift sign and issued a call for help. help Sunday. It’s clear how long it’s been stuck on the beach south of Davenport Landing.
Cal Fire shared videos showing a helicopter hoisting the kite surfer to safety. In addition to Cal Fire’s San Mateo and Santa Cruz units, a helicopter from the agency’s Santa Clara unit, firefighters from Santa Cruz County and California State Parks “all worked together to finish the extraction”.
The videos show the kite-surfer’s “HELP” sign posted near the base of the steep cliff, which extends into the distance, cutting off the beach from the road above.
Cal Fire said the kite surfer was unharmed and only needed help getting off the beach.