Woman flown to hospital after water rescue, condition unknown

SAMOA, Calif. (KIEM)-A 67-year-old woman was flown to St. Joseph Hospital after she, and her son were swept into the ocean.

Samoa Peninsula Fire District was called out to the North Jetty in Samoa for a medical rescue – turned water rescue.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office and Coast Guard – were also involved with rescue efforts.

It happened at about 12:04 this afternoon – the male victim was pulled to safety and is expected to be OK.

About an hour later his mother was located and given CPR and taken for medical treatment, her condition is unknown at this time.

According to Samoa Fire’s Captain Tony Donofrio, walking on jetties is never a good idea – especially this time of year.

“If you want to come out and watch the waves, just be very careful stay off of the actual jetty,” he said. “On these nice days it’s tempting to come out here, and it’s very fun to look at but it can be very dangerous and it can be very sneaky.” 

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office put out a warning on their Facebook page Monday morning that urged the public to stay off jetties and rocks Monday at the beach.

According to HCSO, a High Surf Advisory is in effect until noon Tuesday, and hazardous surf with breaking waves measuring between 22 to 28 feet is expected for west and northwest facing beaches.

They also urge beachgoers to keep a distance from the surf and stay off jetties and rocks.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.