URGENT UPDATE: Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies are being hailed as heroes after a dramatic ocean rescue of two paragliders who crashed into the water off the coast of Malibu. The incident unfolded at 12:30 p.m. on Friday near Carbon Beach, where foggy conditions led to the paragliders becoming disoriented and plunging into the ocean.
The paragliders, a man and woman, initially launched into clear skies, but quickly found themselves engulfed in thick fog. As their equipment weighed them down, they struggled to stay afloat in the turbulent waters.
Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan responded promptly to the emergency call, showcasing remarkable bravery as they rushed into the ocean. “When we first got there, the fog was very dense. We could only make out the outline of the parachute,” Matkin recounted. Body camera footage reveals the deputies sprinting into the waves, abandoning their gear on the beach.
Upon reaching the distressed paragliders, the deputies faced a tense situation. “It was a tense situation because both of the victims were pulling down on everyone and dragging us under,” Matkin explained. Using their knives, they quickly cut the tangled cords ensnaring the victims, effectively freeing them from danger.
“We were able to calm them down and get them out of the water safely without any injuries,” Matkin added.
Thanks to the deputies’ swift actions, the paragliders were treated at the scene and later released, grateful for their rescue. “It definitely could have gone south,” Grigoryan said, reflecting on the precarious situation. “But luckily, both of us were on the same page.”
This heroic rescue highlights the critical role of first responders in life-threatening situations. As the community celebrates the deputies’ bravery, many are left to ponder the risks involved in paragliding, especially under rapidly changing weather conditions.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor activities and the importance of safety precautions. Authorities encourage all adventurers to remain vigilant and be prepared for sudden changes in weather.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as more details emerge. The bravery of deputies Matkin and Grigoryan has not only saved lives but also inspired confidence in the heroism of local law enforcement.
