Southern California officials rescued 14 people who jumped out of a sinking boat on Sunday off Newport Beach, said the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Sinking Boat
Authorities conducted the rescue operation near the entrance of Newport Beach Harbor at around 2:45 p.m. When they arrived, they discovered a good Samaritan towing the boat to help the passengers. However, the vessel was sinking quickly and would not reach land.
Harbor Patrol worked together with lifeguards and other boats in the area to rescue the 14 victims. The sheriff’s department is investigating the cause of the sinking. Fortunately, officials reported no injuries among the passengers.
Newport Beach Lifeguard Battalion Chief Brian O’’Rourke said the boat was seen riding low in the water near the entrance of the channel as rescue boats arrived. He said the passengers “jumped off in fear of their lives.” The area where the boat sank had about 100 feet of water in depth, NBC News reported.
