Two canoeists were found dead in California's Tomales Bay after embarking on a trip shortly before midnight Saturday. The Marin County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the individuals were found unresponsive on Sunday, prompting an investigation.
Authorities have identified one of the victims as Casey Flynn Melia, 36, of San Francisco. The pair had been camping along Tomales Bay before launching their canoe.
When the canoeists did not return the following morning, members of their camping party alerted emergency services. First responders initiated a search-and-rescue operation. Rescuers located Melia's companion unresponsive in the water, and subsequently found Melia unresponsive near Hog Island.
Both individuals were pronounced dead at the scene. A forensic post-mortem examination and routine toxicology testing are scheduled for later this week. The official cause and manner of death are pending the results of a joint investigation involving the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the National Park Service.
Nighttime kayaking to observe bioluminescence has become increasingly popular in the Point Reyes area. The phenomenon occurs when bioluminescent plankton in the bay create a glow in the water when disturbed. However, officials urge caution for those venturing out after dark, recommending that all vessels, including kayaks and canoes, use a working 360-degree light to remain visible to other boat traffic.