Key Takeaways:
- Two Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies, Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan, rescued two paragliders who crashed into the ocean due to foggy conditions.
- The paragliders, a man and woman, became disoriented and were drowning due to the weight of their equipment and entangled cords.
- The deputies responded quickly and jumped into the ocean to save the paragliders, using their knives to cut the cords and free them.
- The paragliders were treated at the scene and released without any injuries.
- The deputies’ swift and coordinated action likely prevented a tragic outcome.
Introduction to the Incident
The incident occurred on a Friday afternoon in Malibu, California, when two paragliders, a man and woman, took to the skies in clear conditions. However, the weather quickly turned foggy, causing the pair to become disoriented and lose their bearings. As a result, they crashed into the ocean, plunging into the water and struggling to stay afloat. The weight of their equipment and the cords that had wrapped around their feet were dragging them down, putting them at risk of drowning.
The Rescue Efforts
Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan responded to the distress call and sprang into action. They arrived at the scene, where the fog was still dense, and quickly assessed the situation. Matkin recalled that they could only make out the outline of the parachute at first, but as they got closer to the water’s edge, they were able to see the two victims struggling in the water. Without hesitation, the deputies dropped their gear and ran into the ocean to rescue the paragliders. Body camera footage shows the dramatic moment when they entered the water and began to cut the cords that were entangling the victims.
The Tense Situation
As the deputies reached the paragliders, they found themselves in a tense and challenging situation. The victims were pulling down on everyone, dragging the deputies under the water, and it was clear that time was of the essence. However, Matkin and Grigoryan remained calm and worked together to calm down the paragliders and free them from the entangled cords. Using their knives, they carefully cut the cords, taking care not to cause any further harm to the victims. Matkin described the situation as "tense" but credited their training and coordination for enabling them to rescue the paragliders safely.
The Aftermath
Once the paragliders were freed, the deputies were able to pull them to safety, and they were treated at the scene by medical personnel. Fortunately, the victims did not suffer any serious injuries and were later released. The paragliders were grateful for the deputies’ bravery and quick thinking, thanking them for saving their lives. Grigoryan reflected on the incident, saying that it "could have gone south" and had a very different outcome if they had not responded so quickly and effectively. The successful rescue was a testament to the deputies’ training, teamwork, and commitment to protecting the community.
The Heroes’ Account
In an interview, Matkin and Grigoryan shared their account of the rescue, providing a glimpse into the dramatic events that unfolded. Matkin described the moment when they arrived at the scene, saying that the fog was very dense, but they were able to see the outline of the parachute. Grigoryan added that they were able to stay focused and work together, which was crucial in saving the paragliders. The deputies’ bravery and selflessness have been hailed as heroic, and their actions serve as a reminder of the important role that law enforcement officers play in keeping communities safe.
Conclusion
The rescue of the two paragliders in Malibu is a remarkable story of bravery, quick thinking, and effective teamwork. Deputies Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan demonstrated exceptional courage and skill in responding to the emergency, and their actions likely prevented a tragic outcome. The incident highlights the importance of having well-trained and dedicated law enforcement officers who are able to respond to emergencies and save lives. As the deputies themselves acknowledged, the rescue was a team effort, and their coordination and communication were key to the successful outcome. The paragliders, who were rescued from a potentially deadly situation, will undoubtedly never forget the heroic actions of Matkin and Grigoryan.
