URGENT UPDATE: Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies performed a daring rescue of two paragliders who crashed into the ocean off the California coast after becoming disoriented in dense fog. The dramatic incident occurred at 12:30 p.m. on Friday along Carbon Beach in Malibu.
The paragliders, a man and a woman, initially took flight in clear skies but quickly lost their bearings as fog rolled in. As their equipment weighed them down, they began to drown, with cords tangled around their feet. The situation grew increasingly dire when deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan received the emergency call and sprang into action.
“When we first got there, the fog was very dense. We could only make out the outline of the parachute,” Matkin recounted. Body camera footage captures the moment the deputies dashed into the ocean, shedding their gear to reach the victims.
Upon reaching the struggling paragliders, the deputies immediately deployed their knives to cut the cords binding the trapped individuals. “It was a tense situation because both of the victims were pulling down on everyone and dragging us under,” Matkin explained.
With quick thinking and teamwork, the deputies managed to calm the victims and safely extricate them from the water without any injuries. Grigoryan noted that the victims expressed their gratitude, emphasizing the potential for a much worse outcome. “It definitely could have gone south,” he stated, reflecting on the gravity of the rescue.
Both paragliders received treatment at the scene before being released, a fortunate conclusion to a harrowing ordeal. The quick response of deputies Matkin and Grigoryan has drawn praise from the community, highlighting the importance of swift action in life-threatening situations.
This incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities and the critical role that first responders play in ensuring public safety. As authorities continue to monitor changing weather conditions along the coast, residents and visitors are urged to remain vigilant and prioritize safety while enjoying recreational activities.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
