U.S. Coast Guard rescues two kayakers near Anacapa Island

The U.S. Coast Guard rescued two kayakers near Anacapa Island after their 14-foot kayak overturned approximately half a mile off Arch Rock. The individuals reported they had been adrift and taking on water for roughly four hours before the vessel capsized.

Coast Guard crews from Air Station Ventura and Station Channel Islands, supported by TowBoatUS Ventura, responded to the emergency. A Jayhawk helicopter crew arrived at the scene around midnight and successfully airlifted both kayakers to Oxnard Airport. Following the airlift, the pair were transported by local emergency medical services to a hospital in stable condition.

Although the kayakers were wearing life jackets and wetsuits, they did not have an onboard radio. The rescue was made possible because the pair remained within cellphone range to contact authorities. Lt. Commander Jason Caprioli emphasized the necessity of carrying multiple reliable communication methods, such as VHF-FM marine radios and signaling devices, when navigating the water.