Kayaker calls for help after capsizing 6 miles out to sea, California rescuers say

A 49-year-old man called for help after his kayak capsized 6 miles off the Southern California coast, rescuers say.

The Valley Village resident was returning from kayaking to Anacapa Island when his vessel flipped, spilling him into the ocean, on Saturday, Sept. 9, Ventura County authorities said in a news release.

After trying and failing to flip his kayak right-side up, the man called for help at 2:20 p.m., officials said.

A helicopter and several rescue boats responded, officials said. The helicopter found the man clinging to his sinking kayak and dropped a rescue swimmer to check for injuries.

The helicopter hoisted the kayaker to safety and recovered his boat. He was flown to an airport to be reunited with his family.

The man, who was not injured, told rescuers he was in the water for about an hour awaiting rescue.

Ventura County is about 75 miles northwest of Los Angeles.

This story was originally published September 12, 2023 at 7:31 AM with the headline "Kayaker calls for help after capsizing 6 miles out to sea, California rescuers say."