Coast Guard Comes To Rescue Of Capsized Catamaran Near Marina Del Rey
SAN PEDRO (CBSLA.com) — Members of the U.S. Coast Guard from the Los Angeles/Long Beach division -- along with first responders from Point Magu, Seatow and Baywatch Del Rey -- responded to the report of a vessel in distress call Saturday late afternoon.
Officials received notification around 4:40 p.m., of a 27-foot pleasure craft that capsized in stormy seas with three people aboard about six miles off-shore and west of Marina del Rey.
The Coast Guard launched a MJ-65 Dolphin rescue helicopter and 45-foot response boat to aid in the rescue.
CBS 2's Cristy Fajardo said it was the rough and stormy seas that likely caused the boat to capsize.
A 57-year-old man and two younger men -- described as teens -- were identified as the boaters in distress struggling to keep their heads above water.
"They were clinging to the boat, floating in the water The wind was as 25 knots and they had breaking waves five to ,six-foot waves, it was rough," said Battalion Chief Scott Salhus of LA County Fire.
The older man was walking but taken to an area hospital by ambulance for observation. The two younger men had to be warmed up but they will be just fine, officials said.
There was no official cause for the boat to capsize but the wind was seen as a likely factor.
"I would say experienced boaters only should go out in these weather conditions," said Salhus.
The Coast Guard reminds the public to wear life jackets while cruising along the water no matter how experienced a swimmer you are.
They also wanted the public to revisit other safety tips while boating. To read that information, click here.
