In a dramatic rescue operation, a stranded windsurfer was successfully rescued after using rocks to spell out "HELP" on a remote beach in Santa Cruz County on Sunday afternoon. The windsurfer had found himself stuck between massive oceanside cliffs and a rising tide, with no means to get his sail and board back in motion.

The incident caught the attention of a private helicopter pilot who spotted the distress call and immediately alerted local rescue teams. California State Parks lifeguards were swiftly dispatched to make initial contact with the stranded windsurfer, determining that he was medically okay but physically unable to escape his predicament.

The man, who has not been identified, was located within a few hours of landing on the beach, which made the recovery operation simpler. Firefighters arrived at the top of the bluffs, approximately 200 feet above the stranded windsurfer, to provide support.

The stranded windsurfer was identified as Felix Louis Syl N'jai, a native of Gambia and an avid kiteboarder, by friends who believe he had gone missing in a possible shark attack off Point Reyes National Seashore.

Due to the rising tide and surf conditions, the multiagency rescue team determined that the best course of action would be to lift the man from the beach. Conducting a "static pick," the man was hooked up to rescue devices and lifted by the helicopter high enough to be placed above the bluffs, where support teams were waiting.

Although an experienced windsurfer, conditions that day proved exceptionally challenging, even for someone with sharp skills who knows the area well. Fire Capt. Skylar Merritt stated that the combination of decent-sized surf and a wind shadow, caused by high bluffs blocking the wind from the nearby ocean, significantly decreased the windsurfers' control over their boards.

When the stranded windsurfer spotted the helicopter, he became excited and signaled his gratitude with a thumbs-up gesture. However, it was later revealed that he had not communicated his need for help effectively. Fortunately, the observant helicopter pilot called 911 and returned with further assistance.

Fire Capt. Merritt expressed relief at the successful operation, attributing it to the collaborative efforts of partnering agencies. He noted that the quick response time prevented the windsurfer from succumbing to hypothermia or dehydration, given the challenging conditions he faced.

The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of water sports and the importance of preparedness. Even experienced enthusiasts can find themselves in perilous situations, emphasizing the need for swift and coordinated rescue operations to ensure their safety.

As for Felix Louis Syl N'jai, his rescue marks the end of a harrowing ordeal, while also highlighting the heroic efforts of the rescue teams involved.