The Air Station routinely conducts training operations to maintain proficiency for missions such as search and rescue to maritime law enforcement.
U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Roberto A. Nieves Felix.
SAN PEDRO, California. — A Coast Guard Air Station Ventura MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter aircrew performed the rescue of two kayakers after their kayak overturned approximately a half-mile off Arch Rock near Anacapa Island. Friday, August 14, 2026.
Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a phone call at 11:17 p.m. (Friday) from two people in the water who reported their 14-foot yellow kayak had overturned. The kayakers stated they had been adrift and taking on water for approximately four hours, were wearing wetsuits and life jackets, and did not have a radio onboard.
Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach issued an urgent marine information broadcast (UMIB) and launched crews from Coast Guard Air Station Ventura and Coast Guard Station Channel Islands. TowBoatUS Ventura also responded.
A Coast Guard Air Station Ventura MH-60T Jayhawk Medium-Range Recovery Helicopter aircrew arrived on scene at midnight, deployed the rescue swimmer, hoisted both kayakers from the water using a rescue basket and transported them to Oxnard Airport. The two kayakers were then transferred to Ventura County emergency medical services (EMS) and reported to be in stable condition.
The two kayakers were then transferred to Ventura County emergency medical services at the Oxnard Airport.
U.S. Coast Guard video.
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles – Long Beach.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Ventura.
U.S. Coast Guard Southwest District.
U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area.
TowBoatUS Ventura recovered the kayak and the kayakers’ belongings.
“This case highlights the importance of carrying multiple reliable means of communication while on the water,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jason Caprioli, search and rescue (SAR) mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach. “Thankfully the kayakers’ were in cellphone range which allowed them to reach the Coast Guard. However, we strongly urge all mariners to have a signaling device and VHF-FM marine radio when on the water to communicate with the Coast Guard or nearby mariners because this safety gear can make a critical difference during an emergency.”
The Coast Guard urges all paddlers and boaters to dress for the water temperature, wear life jackets, carry a VHF-FM marine radio and appropriate safety gear for your vessel, signaling devices such as a whistle, mirror, flashlight or personal locator beacon (PLB), and file a float plan with someone you trust.
–USCG–
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