A search is underway in a water catchment basin in Santa Maria for a man reported missing.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department says they were called to assist with the rescue around 12:03 a.m. Wednesday after reports that a male entered the water and did not come back out.
A rescue boat and utility vehicle searched the surface of the water and embankment in the early-morning hours around N. Blosser and Canal Street.
Fire officials say they found an article of clothing belonging to the man, adding that Santa Maria police are lead on the investigation.
Due to Tuesday’s storm, the Santa Barbara County Fire Department already had a water rescue team pre-positioned.
Search/Missing Man: Update-Only a single article of clothing was identified. The incident is being handled by SMPD. The SBC Fire prepositioned WR Team was funded by the California Office of Emergency Service(CalOES) for the widespread predicted atmospheric River in california. pic.twitter.com/cE1BLOnNKs
— Scott Safechuck (@SBCFireInfo) March 15, 2023
