Surfer clings to lobster trap buoy after rip current off Santa Barbara

A 26-year-old surfer was swept offshore near Haskell's Beach and was found clinging to a lobster trap buoy about a quarter-mile out; Santa Barbara County firefighters located him by drone and rescue swimmers brought him back to shore where he received medical attention.

A 26-year-old surfer was swept far offshore by a rip current while surfing near Haskell's Beach in Goleta. His surfboard washed ashore and his friend called 911. Santa Barbara County firefighters launched drones to search the waters and located the missing surfer roughly a quarter-mile offshore. Two rescue swimmers brought him back to shore and he received medical attention. Known details: - The surfer was swept from Haskell's Beach by a rip current and his surfboard later washed ashore, prompting a 911 call. - A department drone located him clinging to a lobster trap buoy about a quarter-mile offshore, and two rescue swimmers retrieved him. - Officials said the drone and the friend's quick call were important to finding him; no further status update was provided. Summary: Officials reported the surfer was located by drone, rescued by two swimmers, and received medical attention; they credited the drone and a friend's call in the outcome. Undetermined at this time.