BREAKING: Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies executed a heroic rescue of two paragliders who crashed into the ocean off Carbon Beach in Malibu on Friday, around 12:30 p.m. This urgent situation unfolded as the pair became disoriented in dense fog, leading to a perilous plunge into the icy waters.
The paragliders, a man and a woman, initially took to the skies under clear conditions, but the weather quickly deteriorated. They soon found themselves struggling against the weight of their equipment, which began dragging them under the water as cords wrapped around their feet.
Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan quickly responded to the distress call, arriving at the scene where visibility was severely limited. “When we first got there, the fog was very dense. We could only make out the outline of the parachute,” Matkin recounted. The urgency of the situation was palpable, as every second counted for the two victims trapped in the ocean’s grip.
Body camera footage reveals the deputies springing into action without hesitation, leaving their gear on the beach and sprinting into the turbulent surf. “Once we got closer to the water’s edge, we were able to see the two victims in the water,” Matkin said. Their immediate focus was on cutting the tangled cords that ensnared the paragliders, a task made difficult by the victims’ panic.
“It was a tense situation because both of the victims were pulling down on everyone and dragging us under,” Matkin explained. Despite the chaos, the deputies managed to maintain their composure and calm the frightened paragliders, successfully bringing them to safety without any injuries.
After the harrowing rescue, Grigoryan expressed relief, stating, “It definitely could have gone south. It definitely could have gone entirely different, but luckily, both of us were on the same page.” The paragliders were treated at the scene and later released, profoundly grateful for their timely rescue.
This incident highlights the critical role first responders play in emergency situations and serves as a reminder of the dangers associated with paragliding in rapidly changing weather conditions. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this event, the bravery demonstrated by Matkin and Grigoryan stands out as a testament to their commitment to public safety.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
