News

Released: November 6, 2015 - Friday, 02:08 PM

Water Rescue

Contact: Tony CipollaPhone: (805) 781-4547Date and time of incident: 11-6-15, Approximately 9:15 AMPlace of Occurrence: In the ocean, approximately one mile from Point Buchon, Montana de Oro State ParkVictim Information: 72-year-old maleSuspect Information: N/AOn 11-6-15, the Sheriff's Office received a call about an overturned kayak in the waters off Montana de Oro State Park. The Sheriff's Office Defender Class Boat was nearby on a training mission with members of the Sheriff's Marine Enforcement Unit (MEU). San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Frank Mecham and his legislative assistant Vicki Shelby Fogleman were also on board the boat as observers.
Two fishermen in the area discovered a male subject floating in the water. They pulled the victim out of the water and then radioed for assistance. The crew on the Defender boat responded to the area as well as the Coast Guard and Morro Bay Harbor Patrol. With the help of members of the Sheriff's Marine Enforcement Unit, Supervisor Mecham and Legislative Aide Fogleman, they were able to transfer the victim to the Defender boat. They monitored his condition and transported him to Morro Bay Fire paramedics waiting on shore.
The 72-year-old victim, whose identity is not yet known, had been kayaking alone when it overturned. The man was cold and fatigued and suffering from hypothermia. The victim believes he was in the water for at least two hours. The victim is expected to recover from his injuries.