The San Francisco Fire Department rescue boat that capsized over the weekend has been anchored in place, but a fire official said the salvage company will not be able to remove the boat until the end of the week due to rough waters.
Seven firefighters were on the 32-foot rescue boat for a training exercise Saturday morning near the Ocean Beach area. Fire department spokesman Lt. Jonathan Baxter said that area is prone to some of the toughest surf and cliff rescues.
Baxter believes a rogue wave is what caused the boat to capsize, stating that data from a nearby buoy indicated there were waves around seven feet with wind gusts reaching 25 mph.
"Conditions can change very quickly and that's why our crews were out there training," Baxter said Monday night. "The waves picked up significantly during the time they were in that area."
Four firefighters were taken to the hospital for evaluation and released Saturday, Baxter said, noting that all injuries were minor to moderate. One of those firefighters was held overnight for moderate injures, including exposure. Three firefighters were treated at the scene.
The firefighters were rescued by a crew in another water rescue craft, which was nearby when the incident happened. Coast Guard crews came to their aid as well.
The salvage company hired to retrieve the boat said conditions preventing them from removing the boat until late in the week when the waves will slow down. The boat has been safely anchored into place.
Baxter said the fire department is conducting an internal investigation and the U.S. Coast Guard will conduct a safety investigation as well.
The department will continue to respond to water emergencies using their boats, including a second rescue boat and can be augmented by Coast Guard resources.
