San Rafael, CA – On Saturday, August 20, 2022, The San Rafael Police Department’s two boats, “Mission City” and “Rescue 22”, along with the San Rafael Fire Department boat unit, the Marin County Sheriff’s Office boat unit, and the California Highway Patrol helicopter were kept busy during the blustery afternoon.

Just after 4:30 PM, the “Mission City” was dispatched to a report of several paddleboarders in trouble off China Camp State Park due to the weather.  Winds at the time were gusting at 15mph with moderate water chop.  

Upon arrival, several paddle boarders were located.  The paddleboarders had been blown westerly into shallow waters and unable to get back to shore.  While on the scene, “Mission City” received another rescue call for a small boat and was diverted.  Due to the shallow waters, the paddleboarder rescue was turned over to the Marin County Sheriff’s Department’s boat unit. 

“Mission City” received information that a small boat with one person on board that had engine failure was being blown westerly.  The “Mission City” located the small boat and was taken in tow. 

While towing the boat, “Mission City” was hailed for another rescue of four children and one adult on Rat Rock.  The group had been stranded and were unable to get back to shore.  The “Mission City” requested the assistance of “Fire Boat San Rafael” who took on the small boat that had been in tow.  The small boat was eventually towed to shore.

The “Mission City” headed to Rat Rock, where four small children and one adult were rescued and then placed on “Rescue 22”.  “Rescue 22” took the group to the beach at China Camp State Park.

While all this was occurring, the Marin Sheriff’s boat had rescued four adults and one child.  This was while the earlier three rescued paddleboarders were still on the boat.  The “Mission City” arrived to help the sheriff’s boat and took on the four adults and one child who were then transported to the beach at China Camp State Park.

Once all the rescue calls had been handled, five adults, six children, one small boat, and five paddleboarders were rescued and returned to shore.  Fortunately, no one was injured in these rescue cases.

This serves as a good reminder for water goers to pay attention to weather forecasts, wear life preservers, dress appropriately, have a plan, and be mindful of one’s capabilities.  It takes just a slight change in the weather to create dangerous and unpredictable conditions. 

The “Mission City” is a multi-role patrol boat capable of large and small rescues, fire suppression, and provides law enforcement services for the waters within and off San Rafael.  The “Mission City” is operated by a reserve officer and a crew of Marine Auxiliary Volunteers.  SRPD’s second police boat is “Rescue 22”.  “Rescue 22” can operate in shallow waters and is more maneuverable.  “Rescue 22” is operated by the same crew in addition to a team of specially trained police officers.  

The “Mission City” and “Rescue 22” are vital resources for the City of San Rafael and are often called to provide mutual aid for our partnering jurisdictions just as our partners are often called to assist us.  We are proud to be a part of a skilled team of rescuers.

Community members interested in being a Marine Auxiliary Volunteer Crewmember can call 415-485-3000.