Coast Guard rescues 6 people in the water

SAN FRANCISCO — The Coast Guard rescued six people from the water in the vicinity of Oakland Middle Harbor, Sunday afternoon.

At approximately 4 p.m., the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco Command Center received a 911 relay call from the operator of a 26-foot offshore pontoon boat reporting they were taking on water. Watchstanders advised the vessel operator and five passengers to don life jackets and remain on the sinking boat as long as safely possible. Shortly after the initial call, the boat sank and the operator and passengers all went into the water.

The Coast Guard issued a Urgent Marine Information Broadcast for all vessels in the vicinity to be on the lookout and assist if possible. Coast Guard Station San Francisco and the Oakland Fire Department both dispatched boat crews.

Once on scene, the Station San Francisco rescue boat crew safely recovered all six individuals from the water and transferred them to Jack London Square for medical evaluation. The six individuals were interviewed by the Oakland Police Department, and refused to take field sobriety tests. One individual was taken into custody.

"The Coast Guard recommends all mariners wear approved flotation devices while on the water, since many accidents occur quickly and unexpectedly," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Carolanne Thomas, coxswain for the Coast Guard rescue boat crew. "It is also highly encouraged to have a working VHF radio and other distress signaling devices aboard your vessel whenever you are underway."