NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – A Lake County Sheriff's deputy remains in critical condition at an out-of-county hospital after he and his son were rescued from the ocean in Mendocino County on Monday.
The deputy, whose name has not been released, remained in intensive care on Tuesday afternoon, according to Sheriff Brian Martin.
Martin would not confirm the deputy's name or the hospital where he is being treated out of respect for the family's wishes.
According to radio traffic from the incident, just before 11:30 a.m. Monday a water rescue was dispatched at Mendocino Headlands State Park, where an 11-year-old boy and his 39-year-old father were reported to be in the water.
Radio traffic reported that that the two had fallen into the water, and Martin said it wasn't clear if they had both been swept out by a wave or if the deputy had gone into the water to save his son.
A REACH helicopter and a Coast Guard helicopter initially were requested, but the Coast Guard helicopter later was canceled, according to reports from the scene.
The man and his son were reported to be about 100 feet offshore at one point, based on reports from the scene.
At about 11:50 a.m. the boy was rescued and taken by jet ski to Big River Beach, where REACH 18 landed just before noon and other rescue units responded, reports indicated.
By noon, radio reports indicated both the man and his son were on the beach, where CPR was being performed on the father. Shortly afterward they were transported to the hospital.
Martin said the deputy is surrounded by a lot of friends and family who are praying for his recovery.
As for any possible changes in the man's condition, Martin said, “We should know more later this afternoon.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at
Lake County Sheriff's deputy in critical condition after Monday ocean rescue
- Elizabeth Larson
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