SB County Sheriff’s helicopter locates boat, divers during water rescue off Hendry’s Beach

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Two divers and a boat were located in the ocean off Hendry's Beach in Santa Barbara during a water rescue effort Sunday afternoon.

SB City Fire received a call from Harbor Patrol around 3:41 p.m.

City Fire Battalion Chief Chris Mailes said that two divers had gone out lobster diving when they became separated.

After anchoring their boat off of Hendry's Beach, the two went down into the water. One diver later came up to the surface and was unable to locate the second diver, so he got into the boat and left to look for him, contacting Harbor Patrol for assistance with the mission.

Harbor Patrol contacted City Fire who sent a crew of 16 swimmers into the water along with a County Sheriff's helicopter to search for the missing diver.

The helicopter quickly spotted both the boat and the second diver, who had surfaced after the first diver began his search, but was unable to find the boat.

Mailes said neither diver was injured and the search was called off shortly after the second diver was located.

City Fire said they were glad the helicopter was able to locate the diver so quickly due to foggy conditions out on the water.

Battalion Chief Mailes would like to remind the public that it is imperative to keep close accountability of everyone you are with when you are in the ocean.