Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies jumped into the ocean to rescue two paragliders who crashed into the Malibu coast after a sudden landing at Carbon Beach. The rescue unfolded on a Friday afternoon, with deputies responding to a call about people yelling for help in the water.
The Rescue Operation
Deputies were dispatched to Pacific Coast Highway near Carbon Canyon Road after receiving a call about people in the water. When they arrived, they saw two people in the ocean and immediately removed their tactical gear, leapt into the water, and swam 50 to 75 yards offshore, as reported by the LASD Lost Hills Station.
Actions by the Deputies
LASD Captain Dustin Carr noted, “I wanted to note this was not an easy swim. The paragliders were completely exhausted, so not only did the deputies have to carry their own weight as well as the fire department, but they also had to help rescue those paragliders.” One deputy said the decision to jump in was instinctive, even though the water was cold and he was not the best swimmer. Upon reaching the victims, the deputies cut the paragliders that were attached to them, preventing the equipment from pulling them underwater. They also reported feeling pulled down by the panicked victims.
Safe Recovery
The two individuals-a man and a woman-were brought safely to shore without any injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Deputies removed gear, jumped in, and swam 50-75 yards offshore.
- Captain Dustin Carr highlighted the difficulty of the swim and the exhaustion of the paragliders.
- The paragliders were cut free from the victims, ensuring a safe rescue.
