Full Breakdown
Heroic Rescue of Paragliders Off Malibu Coast
12/21/2025, 2:11:38 AM
Incident Overview
On Friday, around 12:30 p.m., two Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies, Christopher Matkin and Sevak Grigoryan, executed a dramatic rescue of two paragliders who crashed into the ocean off Carbon Beach in Malibu. The paragliders, a man and a woman, became disoriented due to sudden fog conditions that obscured their visibility and led to their descent into the water.
Rescue Details
The deputies responded to a distress call and quickly assessed the situation, which was complicated by dense fog. Body camera footage captured the deputies removing their gear and racing approximately 75 feet into the ocean. Upon reaching the victims, they discovered that the paragliders were entangled in their safety equipment, which was pulling them underwater. Using their knives, Matkin and Grigoryan cut the cords that had ensnared the paragliders' feet, allowing them to swim back to shore safely.
Deputy Matkin described the scene as "tense," noting that the victims' panic was causing them to pull the rescuers under the water. However, the deputies managed to calm the paragliders and successfully bring them to safety without any injuries. Both victims were treated at the scene and later released.
Official Statements
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department highlighted the bravery and quick thinking of Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan. Captain Dustin Carr stated that preliminary information suggests the paragliders encountered a fog bank while descending, leading to their disorientation and subsequent crash into the ocean. The department emphasized that the rescue exemplified the commitment of its deputies to public safety.
Criticism & Opposition
While the rescue was widely praised, some local residents expressed concerns about the safety of paragliding in foggy conditions. They argued that clearer regulations and warnings could prevent similar incidents in the future.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When we first got there the fog was very dense. We could only make out the outline of the parachute,” — Deputy Christopher Matkin, LASD
- “It was just, ‘We gotta act and we gotta to act now,” — Deputy Sevak Grigoryan, LASD
- “This rescue demonstrates the courage, quick thinking, and selfless dedication of LASD deputies, who routinely place themselves in harm’s way to protect and save lives,” — Los Angeles Sheriff's Department Statement
Conclusion
The successful rescue of the two paragliders by Deputies Matkin and Grigoryan underscores the critical role of law enforcement in emergency situations. Their actions not only saved lives but also highlighted the importance of preparedness and quick response in the face of unexpected challenges.
