Helicopter crew rescues motorcyclist who crashed 20ft down Sonoma Co. embankment

A motorcyclist was rescued over the weekend after crashing off state Route 1 and falling down a steep embankment in Sonoma County, the Sheriff's Office said.

The crash happened around 11:20 a.m. Saturday near Reef Campground along the freeway. The sheriff's helicopter crew responded to help the Timber Cove Fire Protection District and Coast Life Support District Ambulance.

The Sheriff's Office said they found the motorcyclist had left the roadway and traveled about 20 feet down the embankment.

Helicopter crew members carried out a longline rescue, using a 100-foot cable and a specialized device known as a hot seat to lift the injured motorcyclist from the steep terrain safely. The victim was then transferred to a medical helicopter and flown to a local trauma hospital.

The Sheriff's Office did not release the motorcyclist's identity or immediately provide details about the person's latest condition.