LA Deputies Rescue Paragliders Trapped in Ocean Waters

Dramatic Ocean Rescue

• 🌊 Malibu Lost Hills Sheriff Station deputies responded to screams off the coast of Carbon Beach.
• 💡 Deputies Christopher Madigan and another deputy swam approximately 75 feet to reach two paragliders trapped in their safety equipment and cords.
• ⚠️ The paragliders were pulling down on everyone and dragging them under, creating a tense situation.

Swift Action and Rescue

• 🛠️ Deputies used their knives to cut the cord wrapped around the paragliders' feet, freeing them.
• 🏊‍♂️ They then safely swam the paragliders back to shore, describing it as not an easy swim due to the victims' exhaustion.
• ✅ Both paragliders were reported to be okay after the rescue.

Contributing Factors and Support

• 💨 Preliminary information from the sheriff's department suggests weather was likely a factor in the incident.
• 🌫️ Deputies believe the paragliders likely encountered an ocean fog bank as they decreased in elevation, leading to disorientation and a crash into the ocean.
• 👏 The rescued deputies emphasized the importance of the fire department and paramedics who were on scene to assist.
• 🥶 The water temperature at the time of the rescue was noted to be 63 degrees Fahrenheit.