UPDATE: Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies have been hailed as heroes after a dramatic rescue of two paragliders who crashed into the ocean off the coast of Malibu. The incident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on July 15, 2023, when foggy conditions caused the paragliders to lose their bearings and plunge into the water at Carbon Beach.
Witnesses reported that the paragliders, a man and a woman, began their journey in clear skies but soon found themselves enveloped in dense fog. Disoriented and struggling, they began to drown as their equipment weighed them down and cords wrapped around their feet.
Upon receiving the distress call, deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan sprang into action. Matkin described the scene: “When we first got there, the fog was very dense. We could only make out the outline of the parachute.” As they approached the shoreline, the deputies quickly identified the victims in the water.
Body camera footage captures the moment the deputies dropped their gear and sprinted into the ocean, undeterred by the treacherous conditions. They reached the struggling paragliders and used their knives to cut the cords entangling them.
“It was a tense situation because both of the victims were pulling down on everyone and dragging us under,” Matkin recounted. “But we were able to calm them down, and we got them out of the water safely without any injuries.”
Both victims were treated at the scene and later released. Grigoryan expressed gratitude for their safe rescue, saying, “It definitely could have gone south. Luckily, both of us were on the same page.”
This remarkable rescue highlights the heroism of emergency responders in critical situations and serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by sudden changes in weather conditions.
Authorities are urging outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant and prepared when engaging in activities like paragliding, especially in areas prone to quick weather shifts. The brave actions of Matkin and Grigoryan not only saved lives but also showcased the vital role of first responders in protecting the community.
As the investigation continues, officials will analyze the incident to enhance safety measures for paragliding in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
