Winter here in Fort Bragg on the northern coast of California can be very stormy with heavy seas. Our coastguard is the only coastguard from San Francisco to Eureka – a long stretch of coast.

My previous post featured photos by R L Vargas. Twas he who took these three photos of the coastguard operating in stormy seas. Click on a photo to see full size.

Coastguard leaving Noyo harbour

Coastguard leaving the breakwater in Noyo harbour

Coastguard in open water

Great photos.

These truly remarkable pics were posted on Lynn Catlett’s Facebook page “You know you’re from Mendocino if ……..” Their willingness to go out when the sea is truly ghastly is a testament to their professionalism.

I have been lucky enough to see the Fort Bragg based coastguard practicing in heavy seas but once ……. and I didn’t have my camera with me. No matter, I got lucky and got my paws on these three pics  …….. which are MUCH better than would have been my feeble efforts. Click on the photos to see full size

Everyone strapped in leaving Noyo harbour

Approaching the end of breakwater with the sea running

Taking a big one head on