Kayakers Adrift For Hours Off SoCal Island Rescued In Dramatic Hoist

LONG BEACH, CA — Two kayakers who spent hours in the water after their vessel overturned off Anacapa Island were plucked from the ocean by a Coast Guard helicopter in a dramatic nighttime rescue captured on video.

The rescue unfolded late Thursday and early Friday about a half-mile off Arch Rock on Anacapa Island, roughly 15 miles off the Ventura County coast, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, which released details and video of the operation Wednesday.

The kayakers called Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach at 11:17 p.m. Thursday and reported that their 14-foot yellow kayak had overturned, officials said.

By then, they had been adrift and taking on water for approximately four hours. Both were wearing wetsuits and life jackets, but they did not have a marine radio onboard.

Helicopter Crew Reaches Kayakers At Midnight

After receiving the call, the Coast Guard issued an urgent marine information broadcast and dispatched crews from Air Station Ventura and Station Channel Islands. TowBoatUS Ventura also responded.

A Jayhawk helicopter crew from Air Station Ventura reached the pair at midnight and hoisted both kayakers from the water.

The helicopter transported them to Oxnard Airport, where they were transferred to Ventura County emergency medical services. Both were reported to be in stable condition. TowBoatUS Ventura later recovered the kayak and the pair's belongings.

Coast Guard Warns Against Relying On Cellphones

Coast Guard officials said the rescue underscored the importance of carrying more than one reliable means of communication on the water.

“This case highlights the importance of carrying multiple reliable means of communication while on the water,” Lt. Cmdr. Jason Caprioli, search and rescue mission coordinator at Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said in a statement.

“Thankfully the kayakers were in cellphone range which allowed them to reach the Coast Guard,” Caprioli said. “However, we strongly urge all mariners to have a signaling device and VHF-FM marine radio when on the water to communicate with the Coast Guard or nearby mariners because this safety gear can make a critical difference during an emergency.”

Officials also recommend carrying devices such as a whistle, mirror, flashlight or personal locator beacon and filing a float plan with someone they trust.

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