Search and rescue watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, located in San Pedro, Calif., received a radio transmission at around 11:00am from a woman stating she needed help. The Coast Guard watchstanders made radio call-outs to her, but she did not respond.
A 45-foot response boat medium crew from Station Los Angeles-Long Beach and a helicopter from Air Station Los Angeles were dispatched. Search and rescue watchstanders directed the rescue helicopter to the south side of Catalina Island, where she was found at Ben Weston Point, and hoisted into the helicopter.
“The surf was pretty rough and she was on the beach. It quickly became apparent that hoisting her was the only option. No one would be able to reach her from land or a surface boat," said Lt. j.g. Darin Coleman, a Coast Guard Air Station Los Angeles pilot.
The woman reported the boat she was on became disabled, so she paddled to shore on a surfboard with a hand held radio in an attempt to get better reception to call for help. The remaining two individuals on the boat were able to affect repairs and made it safely back to a harbor on the island.
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