Bodycam footage shows two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies diving into foggy waters off Malibu to rescue a man and a woman whose paragliding gear had become entangled and was dragging them under. Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan swam about 75 feet, cut the heavy equipment free with knives, and helped calm the panicked victims. Authorities say the pair likely became disoriented after entering a dense fog bank; both are expected to fully recover.
Heroic LASD Deputies Plunge Into Foggy Malibu Waters to Rescue Entangled Paragliders
Two Los Angeles sheriff’s deputies rescued two paragliders from drowning Friday after they fell in the ocean near Malibu, Calif.
Bodycam footage captured two Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies sprinting into a fog-shrouded stretch of ocean off Malibu on Friday to rescue a man and a woman whose paragliding safety gear had become entangled and was pulling them under.
The video shows deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan removing their department-issued gear and immediately entering the water after responding to a distress call. Witnesses and rescuers can be heard shouting, "Hang on!" as the deputies swam roughly 75 feet to reach the victims.
LA County Sheriff's Department Deputy Sevak Grigoryan discusses the rescue he and a fellow officer made on a beach in Malibu.
Both paragliders had their feet tangled in heavy safety equipment that was dragging them below the surface. Using their knives, the deputies cut the harnesses and lines to free the pair while working to calm panicked victims who, in their struggle, repeatedly pulled rescuers under.
"Without hesitation and fully aware of the danger, Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan removed their department-issued gear and jumped in the water," the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement. Deputy Matkin called the rescue "tense" and said their ability to calm the pair was crucial. Deputy Grigoryan added, "It was just, 'We gotta act, and we gotta act now.'"
Deputy Christopher Matkin called the rescue "tense."
Authorities believe the paragliders became disoriented after entering a dense fog bank over the ocean and crashed into the water. A third deputy at the scene confirmed that the fog likely contributed to the accident.
Both victims are expected to make a full recovery. In its statement the department praised the deputies for their quick thinking, courage and dedication to public safety, saying their actions exemplify the agency's commitment to protecting and saving lives.
