LOS ANGELES — The Coast Guard, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Lifeguards and a good Samaritan rescued four people near Catalina Island after their vessel overturned Saturday.
At 9:30 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach operations center received a report from the good Samaritan vessel Pacific Quest, reporting that a15-foot skiff with seven people aboard had overturned near Salta Verde Point on the backside of Catalina.
The good Samaritan recovered four of the seven boaters out of the water, two were reported to be unresponsive. A Coast Guard Aviation Survival Technician from an Air Station San Diego HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew, rescued another individual from the rocks and safely transported them to Long Beach Memorial Hospital. Baywatch Isthmus and Baywatch Avalon transported the individuals from the Pacific Quest to Avalon. A Catalina Island Conservancy officer located the seventh individual on the beach.
The Coast Guard immediately launched a 45-foot patrol boat from Coast Guard Station Los Angeles, a HH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station San Diego, Coast Guard Cutter Halibut, homeported in Marina Del Rey, along with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 and Air Rescue 15 to assist in the search. Baywatch Avalon and Baywatch Isthmus also coordinated with rescue efforts.
Waves in the area were reported to be between four and six feet.
The Coast Guard reminds mariners to always:
- Wear life jackets while on the water.
- Always have a working marine-band radio on board.
- Carry marine flares on board the vessel.
- Ensure bilge pumps are operational and vessels are secure for heavy winds and rain.
- Stay Informed - The public should be aware of weather conditions and monitor progress through local television, radio and internet. Check the current and expected weather and water conditions before heading out, and be aware that weather conditions can quickly change.
- File a float plan with friends, family members and local marinas before heading out. The list should include the number of passengers aboard the vessel, vessel's destination and expected time of return.
For more information on boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.