Two men stranded on their damaged boat off the coast of Isla Vista were rescued by fire officials Saturday, May 3. Now, authorities have released the drone footage that captured some of the incident.
Santa Barbara County Fire Department officials posted the drone footage to the department's social media pages.
It shows the rescue attempt of two men whose catamaran became disabled three-quarters of a mile offshore after a "mechanical mast issue," officials said in the post. It happened around 5:14 p.m. near Del Playa Drive and Camino Majorca.
Firefighters said they deployed the drone to establish visual contact before two water rescue teams arrived in the area.
Rescuers confirmed no medical emergencies and transported the men safely to Goleta Beach.
In the social media post, officials offered these safety tips:
- Carry two forms of communication: a VHF marine radio and a fully charged cell phone
- Always wear a life jacket
- Ensure marine signaling devices are functional
- Have a safety plan and keep your vessel well-maintained
- Check the weather and surf conditions before launching
- Share your float plan with someone onshore
"Being prepared on the water helps ensure a safe return," the social media post reads. "Safe boating!"
