Mavericks spectator still recovering from injuries
Half Moon Bay Review: Wednesday, Mar 08, 2006: By MARC LONGPRE
The 39-year-old Redwood City woman who was hit by a falling rock during the Mavericks Surf Contest has been moved out of the Intensive Care Unit at Stanford Hospital, according to the woman's brother.
The woman, who spent three weeks in ICU battling for her life, underwent two brain surgeries since being hit in the head by falling rock on Feb. 7. She is still unable to recognize anyone her brother said. He said she also underwent major pelvic surgery after she suffered a major fracture in six different places and still has no movement in her right leg.
The woman - whom the Review is not identifying at the request of family - was airlifted to the hospital after medical teams from the San Mateo County Harbor District, the Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District, and Sheriff's Office all responded to the scene.
Two other people were injured while standing below the bluffs watching the monster waves; the woman's 9-year-old son was treated for minor injuries and a 59-year-old man suffered cuts to his head but left the scene on his own.
The injured woman has no medical records and her brother is currently caring for her son. Her brother has formed a trust fund to help with the medical costs.
The 2006 contest boasted record crowds - some estimates put the number of spectator at 50,000 - and several officials have expressed concern about the way in which safety and security was handled.
Sally Campbell, Harbor District commissioner, has said she won't vote for renewing the permit without some “serious and proactive discussions between all the agencies involved.”
Meanwhile, Harbor District administrator Shari Chapin is also recovering from injuries after the district's search-and-rescue boat hit an unexpected swell. Chapin broke her jaw as a result of the accident and the district is conducting an investigation into the incident.
A fund has been set up to cover the first woman's medical costs:Mavericks Injury Victim Trust Fund, Account: 189752-01, San Mateo County Credit Union, 525 Middlefield Road Redwood City, CA 94063.
Several spectators injured by falling rocks
Half Moon Bay Review: Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006: By STEFANIE HOFFMAN
There were a few spectator injuries, but by and large emergency personnel said that the Mavericks Surf Contest was relatively calm.
Shari Chapin, Pillar Point Harbor administrative assistant, was transported by ambulance to Stanford Hospital for facial, lower back, neck and shoulder injuries she received when a wave rocked the harbor patrol boat.
Harbor patrol officials said that the 37-foot boat fell about 20 feet after large ocean swells launched the boat into the air.
"It was one of those freak things that happened," said John Draper, assistant harbormaster, who added he had some bruises from the fall.
Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District officials said that a firefighter on the same boat was transported to Seton Medical Center in Daly City for back injuries and possibly broken ribs.
"We're hoping they'll just see him in the ER and send him home," said Clayton Jolley, operations division chief.
On land, Jolley said that the district responded after three people received injuries when rocks fell from cliffs near the Pillar Point Air Force Station.
A 39-year-old woman was transported via ambulance and then helicopter to Stanford Hospital with head injuries after being hit with a large falling rock.
A 9-year-old boy with back pain was also transported to Stanford Hospital.
A 56-year-old man refused treatment after receiving lacerations to the forehead from the falling rocks.
Half Moon Bay Review: Wednesday, Feb 08, 2006: By STEFANIE HOFFMAN
There were a few spectator injuries, but by and large emergency personnel said that the Mavericks Surf Contest was relatively calm.
Shari Chapin, Pillar Point Harbor administrative assistant, was transported by ambulance to Stanford Hospital for facial, lower back, neck and shoulder injuries she received when a wave rocked the harbor patrol boat.
Harbor patrol officials said that the 37-foot boat fell about 20 feet after large ocean swells launched the boat into the air.
"It was one of those freak things that happened," said John Draper, assistant harbormaster, who added he had some bruises from the fall.
Half Moon Bay Fire Protection District officials said that a firefighter on the same boat was transported to Seton Medical Center in Daly City for back injuries and possibly broken ribs.
"We're hoping they'll just see him in the ER and send him home," said Clayton Jolley, operations division chief.
On land, Jolley said that the district responded after three people received injuries when rocks fell from cliffs near the Pillar Point Air Force Station.
A 39-year-old woman was transported via ambulance and then helicopter to Stanford Hospital with head injuries after being hit with a large falling rock.
A 9-year-old boy with back pain was also transported to Stanford Hospital.
A 56-year-old man refused treatment after receiving lacerations to the forehead from the falling rocks.
"Those rocks are unstable, people shouldn't be out there," said Jolley. "Mavericks is a great event, but it's not a spectator event."
Overall, however, Jolley said that the district responded to few calls considering the unusually large number of people attending the event.
"It was a beautiful day, so there was a ton of people out there," said Jolley. "We're happy there weren't a lot more injuries."
San Mateo County Sheriff Lt. Steve Shively said that deputies gave numerous parking tickets throughout the day, generally when a vehicle obstructed a roadway and created gridlock.
Although he couldn't say how many tickets were issued, Shively said that it seemed to be fewer than in previous years.
"People are getting the message," he said.
Overall, however, Jolley said that the district responded to few calls considering the unusually large number of people attending the event.
"It was a beautiful day, so there was a ton of people out there," said Jolley. "We're happy there weren't a lot more injuries."
San Mateo County Sheriff Lt. Steve Shively said that deputies gave numerous parking tickets throughout the day, generally when a vehicle obstructed a roadway and created gridlock.
Although he couldn't say how many tickets were issued, Shively said that it seemed to be fewer than in previous years.
"People are getting the message," he said.
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