66-year-old man falls from boat near Central Coast island — and is rescued by good Samaritan

The U.S. Coast Guard and a good Samaritan rescued a man overboard approximately six miles northeast of Santa Cruz Island on Saturday afternoon, prompting a reminder about the importance of lifejackets.

The Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles/Long Beach command center received a call from a 49-foot boat at approximately 3:45 p.m. reporting a 66-year-old man fell overboard with no lifejacket, according to a news release.

After diverting a 45-foot response boat from the Coast Guard’s Channel Islands Station and Coast Guard Auxiliary air support, watchstanders also coordinated the launches of crews for the Cutter Blackfin and a San Diego-based Jayhawk helicopter.

Towboat US, and a good Samaritan aircraft also assisted in the search.

At approximately 4:33 p.m. a good Samaritan vessel, “Perception,” located and recovered the man, Coast Guard officials said.

Towboat US met with the Perception, confirmed the identity of the man, and the Channel Island boat crews ultimately transferred him back to the 49-foot vessel.

“This incident highlights the importance of wearing a life jacket at all times when underway, especially in rough seas,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Logan Venero, a boatswain’s mate assigned to the Channel Islands Station.

“In the unfortunate event of a man overboard, it is important to remain calm, mark the position on the GPS and throw a life ring or other flotation aid towards the person in the water. It is also important to remain where the person fell off and drift with the prevailing winds and currents,” Venero added.

No medical concerns were reported, according the Coast Guard news release.

Twenty miles from Ventura but located in Santa Barbara County, Santa Cruz Island is the state’s largest island and part of the Channel Islands National Park.

— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com.