The U.S. Coast Guard successfully rescued a man found floating in a dinghy about 1,400 yards from a 34-foot sailboat off the Southern California coast on Saturday evening. However, a dog that accompanied him remains missing.
The incident began when someone aboard the sailboat reported the pair missing around 8 p.m. The Coast Guard quickly responded by launching a boat from Los Angeles and diverting a nearby cutter to assist in the search. Air support was also dispatched from a Coast Guard station in San Diego to aid in locating the missing individuals.
The helicopter search spotted the dinghy approximately 18 miles east of Catalina Island. Upon rescue, the man was treated for mild hypothermia but did not have any significant medical issues. Unfortunately, despite extensive efforts, the dog could not be located and is still unaccounted for, according to Coast Guard public affairs specialist Richard Uranga.
This incident highlights the potential dangers of boating in open waters, especially when conditions can change rapidly. The Coast Guard urges boaters to take precautions, such as ensuring all passengers are accounted for and wearing life jackets, to enhance safety during maritime activities. The search for the missing dog continues, as the Coast Guard remains hopeful for its safe return.