One man was rescued overnight after neighbors heard desperate yells for help coming from the water off Sunset Cliffs in what is being investigated as a possible panga entry.
Nearby residents called authorities at about 3 a.m. Friday after hearing pleas for help early in the morning, according to SD Fire-Rescue Lifeguard Division Lt. Lonnie Stephens. Several entities from San Diego police, lifeguards, the U.S. Coast Guard and agents from U.S. Customs and Border Protection all responded to the scene.
Upon arrival, first responders located a man in the water near a possible panga. Lifeguards were able to rescue him by going out in the water on a surfboard, Lt. Stephens said.
Authorities described the man as exhausted and said he was suffering from hypothermia when they found him. It’s estimated the man may have been in the water for about half an hour before he was rescued.
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The man was then taken to an area hospital for treatment. Lifeguards believe the vessel he was on was stalled by engine issues. They added that they don’t believe anyone else is in the water.
The investigation is ongoing.
