Drone Spots Stranded Surfer; Rescuers Save Man Off Goleta Coast

A dramatic rescue unfolded off the coast of Goleta, California, where a 26-year-old surfer was saved after being swept miles out to sea by a powerful rip current. The incident occurred near Haskell's Beach while the man was surfing with a friend. When his surfboard washed ashore without him, his companion immediately alerted authorities.

Santa Barbara County firefighters launched a drone search, which proved critical in locating the stranded surfer. He was found approximately a quarter-mile offshore, desperately clinging to a lobster trap buoy. This buoy provided a vital point of stability, preventing him from being dragged further into the ocean.

Rescue swimmers were deployed to reach the surfer and bring him back to shore, where he received necessary medical attention. Officials highlighted that the successful rescue was a direct result of the drone's advanced capabilities and the friend's swift action. They also issued a safety warning, advising against venturing into the ocean alone, especially in rough conditions.

This close call serves as a stark reminder of the ocean's dangers, particularly in light of recent tragic incidents along the California coast. The area around Haskell's Beach is known for lobster fishing, making lobster trap buoys a relatively common, albeit unintended, lifesaver.