Three kite surfers that were reported in distress Saturday afternoon east of the Golden Gate Bridge were aided by San Francisco firefighters, police, the U.S. Coast Guard and a California Highway Patrol helicopter.
Firefighters said emergency workers responded about 3:20 p.m. to incidents in San Francisco Bay near Marina Green, Fort Point and Alcatraz.
One kite surfer who was reported in trouble by a bystander was able to get back on their board and declined further assistance, the Fire Department said on social media.
A second kite surfer was seen in distress by a fire department rescue watercraft and was shadowed back to shore at the surfer’s request, firefighters said.
A third kite surer was picked up by Rescue Boat 35, medically evaluated and transported to shore, the Fire Department said.
Winds at Fort Point were measured at an average speed of 10 to 14 mph with gusts of 18 to 20 mph at the time, the National Weather Service said.