Stranded windsurfer rescued after spelling “HELP” with rocks on California beach

CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES: A windsurfer stranded on a narrow beach in California found a novel way to call for aid, using his surroundings to spell out a desperate message.

Surrounded by tall cliffs and a rising tide on the beach south of Davenport Landing, the windsurfer laid out rocks on the sand to spell out a large “HELP,” according to an X post by the Santa Cruz unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection on Monday (10 June).

A private helicopter flying overhead spotted the makeshift distress signal and alerted the authorities. In response, a rescue helicopter was dispatched to the location and successfully airlifted the windsurfer to safety, as seen in a video posted by the department.

The windsurfer, who had started his journey from Davenport Landing Beach, was swept down the coastline and found himself stranded on the secluded beach.

Thankfully, he did not require medical attention, only assistance to get off the beach.

California Fire Captain Skylar Merritt commented on the situation, telling NBC Bay Area, “It is an extremely beautiful place to work and live. That being said, it can lull people into a false sense of security around those cliffs. Those beaches are notorious for strong winds, rip tides, and cold water.”

“This person was definitely lucky that someone saw him,” he added.

The authorities did not disclose how long the windsurfer had been stranded on the beach.