LA deputies rescue paragliders from fog-shrouded Malibu ocean

Two paragliders fell into the fog-shrouded Pacific near Malibu on Friday, prompting a rapid rescue by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies after they responded to a distress call. Bodycam footage from one of the deputies shows them racing into action as authorities shouted to the paragliders to “Hang on!”

Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan removed their department-issued gear and jumped into the water, swimming roughly 75 feet to reach the man and woman whose feet had become entangled in their heavy safety harnesses. The deputies were able to cut away the gear with their knives, freeing the victims and preventing them from being pulled under by their own equipment. The incident unfolded as the two paragliders descended into a fog bank that shrouded the coastline, investigators said.

Matkin described the rescue as tense, noting that the frantic paragliders kept pulling them under as they struggled to stay afloat. “We were able to calm them down,” he said at a later press conference. Grigoryan said there was little time to think, adding, “We had to act, and we had to act now.” The department noted that a third deputy concluded the pair likely became disoriented during descent into the fog and crashed into the ocean.

Both paragliders were rescued and are expected to fully recover, according to LASD officials. The department praised Matkin and Grigoryan for their “courage, quick thinking and selfless dedication” in the line of duty, highlighting how deputies routinely place themselves in harm’s way to protect and save lives. The incident underscores the dangers posed by coastal weather conditions, where fog can dramatically reduce visibility and complicate water rescues even for trained responders.

Coastal fog is a regular feature along the Southern California coast during certain seasons, and it can create hazardous conditions for paragliders and other water enthusiasts. In this case, the fog bank appears to have contributed to the misadventure, with officers racing to the scene and performing a high-risk, at-sea extraction under tight time pressure. LASD officials emphasized that the successful outcome reflects both the deputies’ training and their commitment to public safety, even when the environment presents immediate danger.

The incident serves as a reminder to recreational flyers and swimmers about the importance of awareness of weather conditions, visibility, and gear. While safety equipment is essential, entanglement with heavy harnesses can complicate rescues, requiring swift, decisive action by responders. No other injuries were reported, and both paragliders were treated and transported as needed after the rescue.

As the investigation continues, LASD officials say the agency will review the call, the response, and the safety protocols involved to ensure preparedness for future maritime emergencies in the region. The department reiterated its commitment to public safety and thanked the public for their support of first responders who operate in frequently changing and hazardous marine conditions.