Three swimmers in the San Francisco Bay were rescued by members of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers April 12, as they were being pulled out to sea by an ebbing tide.
The crew aboard the San Francisco District's debris collection vessel, the Dillard, were on a routine patrol of the Bay when they received a call from the Coast Guard to investigate swimmers near the Raccoon Straits. Upon arrival, those in the water told the Dillard's crew they wanted to continue swimming toward Tiburon Landing despite being advised that they were likely to be overtaken by the ebbing tide. The Dillard decided to stand by to ensure the swimmers' safety and keep the local vessel traffic advised of their position.
But soon the swimmers' pace began to slow and it became apparent that they were being overtaken by the strong current and were being pulled toward the Golden Gate Bridge faster than they could swim. After requesting assistance, the Dillard deployed rescue swimmer Sgt. Gerald Chavez, to help bring those in distress on board. All three swimmers were cold and tired but alert and very glad to be on board. The Dillard then transported them to Tiburon Landing.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS SAN FRANCISCO DISTRICT PUBLIC AFFAIRS: 415 503 6804