A chilling fog rolled in off the Pacific, obscuring the coastline near Malibu and turning a recreational outing into a desperate fight for survival. Two paragliders, descending through the dense mist, vanished from sight, plunging into the cold ocean waters.
The call crackled over the radio – two individuals in distress. Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department didn’t hesitate. They raced toward the scene, the urgency of the situation immediately clear.
Bodycam footage captured the raw intensity of the moment. Without a second thought, the deputies shed their gear and plunged into the turbulent water, fully aware of the risks that lay ahead. Every second counted.
They swam with relentless determination, battling the waves for approximately 75 feet, finally reaching the struggling paragliders. The pair were entangled in their heavy safety equipment, the weight dragging them deeper with each panicked movement.
Using their knives, the deputies swiftly cut away the restrictive gear, freeing the man and woman from their underwater trap. Deputy Matkin described the rescue as “tense,” recalling the frantic struggle as the paragliders, overwhelmed by fear, instinctively pulled them under.
Calm, steady voices were crucial. The deputies worked to soothe the paragliders, reassuring them and gaining control of the chaotic situation. It was a race against exhaustion and the unforgiving ocean.
Deputy Grigoryan emphasized the immediate need for action. There was no time for deliberation, only instinct and training taking over. “We gotta act and we gotta act now,” he recalled thinking.
Investigators believe the paragliders lost their bearings as they descended into the unexpected fog bank, leading to the devastating crash. The sudden loss of visibility disoriented them, turning a scenic flight into a terrifying ordeal.
Fortunately, both paragliders are expected to make a full recovery, a testament to the deputies’ swift and courageous response. Their actions prevented a tragedy and offered a lifeline in the face of danger.
This rescue stands as a powerful example of the unwavering dedication and selfless bravery exhibited by the deputies of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, routinely risking their lives to protect the community.
