On Saturday, June 18, 2016, members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, together with personnel from the Ventura County Fire Department and United States Coast Guard, rescued two divers off the West side of Anacapa Island.

Around 10:20 AM, Ventura County Fire Dispatch requested Air Squad 9 respond to the waters off Anacapa Island. Two divers were unresponsive and suffering from post-dive medical issues onboard the dive boat Spectre. Air Squad 9 departed the Camarillo Airport staffed by Pilot Kim Bergeson, Firefighter/ Paramedic Jeff Golden, Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter, Deputy Lee Chapman, and Paramedic Brian Pugh. The United States Coast Guard launched a Response Boat from Coast Guard Station Channel Islands and a MH-65D helicopter from Coast Guard Forward Operating Base Point Mugu.

Upon arrival, Air Squad 9 coordinated a hoist rescue with the United States Coast Guard boatcrew and the Captain from the Spectre. Deputy Chapman hoisted Firefighter/ Paramedic Golden to the stern of the Spectre. A 48 year old male patient and a 47 year old female patient were hoisted into Air Squad 9, followed by Firefighter Paramedic Golden.

Both divers were treated onboard Air Squad 9 and flown to St. John’s Regional Medical Center, in Oxnard, for additional treatment.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard have an outstanding working relationship benefiting the community of Ventura County and surrounding areas. Since May 2016, the United States Coast Guard set up Forward Operating Base Point Mugu to expand their operations and conduct rescues both offshore and onshore. The County of Ventura and surrounding neighbors are grateful to have this resource as we strive to continue the best public service possible for our community.

Nature of Incident: Dive boat Spectre hoist rescue
Report Number: 16-91047
Location: Anacapa Island
Date & Time: 06/18/2016 @ 10:35 AM
Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit (Air Squad 9)
Ventura County Fire Department
United States Coast Guard
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
News Release Date: 06/19/2016
Media Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Ryan Poynter
805-388-4212
Approved by: Sergeant Carl Patterson

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).