Vessel Rescue

Incident Type: Vessel Rescue
Incident Date/Time: May 18, 2008
Location: Kelp Beds Off Point Loma
Case #: 08-3023
Prepared by: Corporal Joseph Sharp (619) 686-6595

On May 18, 2008 at approximately 9:50PM the Harbor Police received a call to assist in the search for a vessel in distress in the kelp beds off the Point Loma lighthouse. Harbor Police dispatched patrol boats and landside units to search for the vessel. The United States Coast Guard, San Diego Life Guards, San Diego Police helicopter, Department of Defense Police and U.S. Navy Police also sent units to search for the vessel. At approximately 10:35PM Harbor Police landside units were able to locate the vessel in distress by using a night vision device. The San Diego Police helicopter and police vessel units were directed to the location by the Harbor Police landside units. At 22:42PM a Harbor Police patrol boat arrived at the distressed vessel and determined no one onboard was injured. The Harbor Police patrol boat took the distressed vessel in tow and removed it from the kelp beds until it was in a safe area and the operator was able to take command.