By Gina Yarbrough
Oceanside, CA–Four people were rescued from the ocean Sunday morning after their vessel capsized after taking in water, the Oceanside Fire Department said.
Oceanside fire and lifeguard crews responded to a reported sinking vessel around 11 a.m. approximately 1.5 miles outside of the Oceanside Harbor. The people on board a 22-foot Striper called 911 and reported they were taking on water. Moments later, they reported the vessel had capsized and all occupants were in the water. Only two people had personal flotation devices. The first responding lifeguard arrived on a personal watercraft and secured all four in the water until additional units arrived. The Oceanside Fire and Lifeguard Marine Safety Unit boat arrived shortly after and removed the victims from the water. All the occupants were not injured in the incident.
The vessel was turned over to TowBoat US for the salvage operation and fire department personnel transported all four victims back to the launch ramp dock.
Life jackets save lives. Under California law, a life jacket must be carried for each person on board a vessel. In addition, every child under 13 years of age on a moving recreational vessel of any length must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in serviceable condition, and of a type and size appropriate for the conditions and the activity.
