DAVENPORT LANDING — A kitesurfer stranded on a North Coast beach successfully signaled his distress Sunday afternoon with the help of a pile of rocks.
Cal Fire responded around 4:15 p.m. to a cove south of Davenport Landing Road after a private helicopter called 911 to report seeing “HELP” spelled out in rocks on the beach, according to the fire agency.
The kitesurfer, who was not injured but merely required rescue, was airlifted off the beach to safety, according to a Cal Fire CZU Unit social media post. Assisting agencies included Santa Cruz County Fire, Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Copter 612, Santa Cruz Fire Department and California State Parks.