Category Archives: Harbor Patrol Blotter

KTLA on site in Ventura covering capsized 16ft vessel with a 65 year old fisherman unaccounted for

On Nov. 11, at 8:40 pm two men were outside of the Ventura Harbor on Friday night lobster fishing when their 15 foot skiff was hit by a 5 foot wave and was overturned outside of the rock groin on Greenock Lane, just adjacent to Marina Park. Both men in their 60’s were fully clothed and attempted to swim to shore. They both became separated as they entered the surf line. A resident on Greenock Lane made contact with one man as he made it to shore, the other mariner was not found and 911 was contacted.

Ventura City Firefighters with the assistance of many agencies responded into the area and began a coordinated search for the missing boater. The last point of contact was determined, and a search commenced– from the shore, in the ocean, on the jetty, and in the air. Ventura Port District, Coast Guard and the Oxnard Fire Department searched the surf line with boats and personal water craft.

Ventura County Copter 9 and Coast Guard Air Helicopter performed a patterned search pattern by air. A group of 6 ocean rescue swimmers deployed from the surf line and performed a coordinated search where the missing man was last seen. They also searched from Greenock Jetty to the Sand Trap (that is adjacent to the north jetty harbor entrance). As one of the Rescue Ocean Swimmers was searching within the surf, he was approached and bumped by a juvenile, 6 foot long– great white shark. No rescuers were injured. All swimming personnel were removed from the search; but air operations, shore search groups, and those searching on watercraft continued.

The vessel had drifted into shore and fractured parts of the boat had scattered onto the beach. The vessel was temporarily secured.

The intense search continued for nearly two and a half hours. Dark conditions, increasing offshore winds, and moderate surf complicated the search. Just before midnight, the incident was turned over to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the United States Coast Guard, who has ultimate authority beyond the water line. An extended search will continue through the night and the Ventura County Sheriff’s department will size up the conditions in the morning and will determine how they will proceed.

As of Nov. 23 he has not been located.

From the Harbor Patrol blotter

8:41pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue off Greenock lane, a capsized 16ft vessel with a 65 year old fisherman unaccounted for. Officers responded and began a search for the missing person with Ventura Fire, Oxnard fire, U.S. coast guard and VC sheriff. The call was eventually turned over to VC Sheriff and the U.S. coast guard.

8:00am, continuing the search for the lost fisherman with U.S. coast guard and VC sheriff search and

rescue.

3:30pm, called off the search for the missing fisherman for the day.

Submersible dive expedition in the Channel Islands

This boat has been seen in the Ventura Harbor, we asked John Higgins to explain what it is.

“Deep Sub LLC (the cat owner) and the Undersea Voyager Project (owner of a two man submersible) have partnered with The Nature Conservancy and the University of Oregon to accomplish a submersible dive expedition in the Channel Islands. The trip is based out of Ventura Harbor to explore the waters around Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa Islands below 150’. Fantastically, during the ice age 15,000 years ago sea level was 200’ lower, so the islands were bigger and connected by a land bridge. Presumably, the Indians would have moved down to live at the water’s edge; the trip will be using the sub to look for evidence of those Indian encampments. Because the study area is below 150’, the sub is better suited to the mission than scuba divers. Besides looking for Indian history, the sub will be used to explore the undersea geology of the land bridge and historic oil seeps around the islands. The expedition is very grateful for the support of the Ventura Harbor Patrol, Harbormaster and Port.”

John Higgins, Harbormaster

Vol. 9, No. 3 – November 11 – November 24, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

10-26

 

 

 12:15pm, received a report from U.S. coast guard of an EPIRB activation most likely at Ventura Isle Marina G-28.  Officers responded by land and discovered no vessel in the slip that was reported by coast guard.

11:00am, while on patrol officers observed an illegally parked RV at Harbor Cove beach parking lot.  The owner was contacted and he moved the vehicle to Spinnaker Drive without incident.

4:40pm, while on patrol in the boat, officers impounded several unattended hoop nets near the Harbor Entrance and in prohibited areas.
10-28 7:50am, while on patrol in the vehicle, an officer observed smoke and popping sounds in the Riverbottom.  After investigation an illegal fire was observed, a warning issued to a local transient for burning batteries and illegal camping.

2:00pm, while on patrol in the vehicle an officer observed a suspicious vehicle.  He ran the license plate and the vehicle was reported stolen.  Ventura PD responded and determined the keys were still in the ignition so they contacted the owner to pick up the vehicle.

3:38pm, received a dispatch to a hazard investigation at Olivas Park and Harbor blvd.  Officers responded and observed a palm frown had fallen on a power line causing an arc and was smoldering.  The fire was out and no further danger was observed.

4:15pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue: kite surfer in distress ½ mile off the Ventura Pier.  Officers responded picked up the kite surfer then transported him to the beach where he was assessed by AMR and fire then released.

5:00-10:22pm, officers dealt with a transient who stole a parking permit from VWM, drove his van in reverse (because had no forward gear) through the 4points Sheraton parking lot gate and lastly was found sleeping on a bench near VWM restrooms.  The transient was moved along and advised he would be arrested for trespassing if found in the area again.
 

10-31

 

 

  8:40pm, received a report of a becalmed 27ft sailboat with 2 POB’s near the #2 navigation buoy outside the harbor.  Officers responded and towed the vessel and released it to its slip in Ventura Harbor marina.

9:05pm, dispatched to a 92 year old female who fell at 4points Sheraton hotel.  Officers responded and determined that no injuries were sustained in the fall and the female was assisted back into bed.

8:18pm, while on patrol, officers observed a local transient in his White Van illegally camping at the launch ramp.  The male transient has been a nuisance for several days: parking illegally, camping illegally and operating a disabled vehicle that only drives in reverse.  Officers issued the vehicle a citation for expired registration.

 

Vol. 9, No. 2 – October 28 – November 10, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

10-4 5:30-6:55pm, officers on patrol enforced ordinances and state laws in reference to hoop netters fishing for spiny lobster around the breakwater.
10-5 12:05pm, received a report of a shark thrashing outside the surf at Emma Wood beach.  Officers responded and searched the area but were unable to locate a shark but did observe dolphins in the area thrashing around.
10-6 9:15-11:35, officers monitored hoop netting activity around the breakwall.  Several warnings were issued for boating and hoop netting violations.
10-7 10:05pm, received a report of an intoxicated male on one of the sport fishing vessels that was heading out.  Officers responded, removed the individual from the vessel and treated minor wounds from a fall.  A cab was hailed and transported the fisherman home.
10-8

 

 4:22pm, officers were dispatched to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier, for a male who jumped off the pier.  Patrol responded by boat and assisted State Parks remove the victim from the water.  The male was eventually arrested for resisting arrest and other violations.

6:40pm, the 120ft x 60ft catamaran research vessel Cheyenne, formerly owned by Steve Fosset was given permission to secure to the Port Districts longdock for a few days to gather equipment and provisions before embarking on a research dive mission at the Channel Islands.
10-9 10:59am, received a report of a medical emergency aboard a recreational motor boat fishing the backside of Santa Cruz island.  Patrol arranged for paramedics to stage at the launch ramp and officers escorted the vessel when it arrived at the Harbor entrance.  The male was complaining of symptoms related to heart disease and transported to local hospital.

5:16pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue near San Pedro lane.  Officers responded with a boat and RescueWaterCraft to assist a swimmer who was caught in a rip current.  The victim was rescued and released at the scene.
10-10

 

 11:10pm, received a report of joy riding on a City Sailing Center boat in the Pierpont Basin.  Officers responded and observed several juvenile’s fleeing from the sailboat and escaping into Marina Park up the city dock.  The sailboat was taken en tow and returned to its slip without incident or damage.

1:57am, officers were dispatched to a 83 year old female complaining of chest pain at a local hotel.  The patient was treated and transported to local hospital.
10-11 2:07pm-6:25pm, officers performed lifeguard duties at South Beach and Surfers Knoll.  Officers executed over 20 water rescues of persons caught in rip currents and hundreds of safety contacts for beach patrons and swimmers.

5:00pm, received a dispatch to a person hit by a vehicle in the Marina mobile home park.  Officers responded and assisted medics with c-spine precautions.  The patient was transported to local hospital for further treatment.

1:09pm, received a dispatch to a fall victim at the Ventura Harbor Village.  The patient fell and sustained an injury causing significant bleeding.  Officers responded and treated the patient.  She was released with advice to seek medical attention for the injury.

 

Vol. 9, No. 1 – October 14 – October 27, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

10-1 10:15am, while on patrol in Boat 17 an officer observed a capsized kayak and the operator in the water.  The kayaker and kayak were rescued and taken to Ventura Harbor Marina dock and released without injuries or damage.
10-2

 

 

 10:30pm, officers were monitoring a wind storm with gusts to 40 knots from their operations center.  One of the local fishing vessels requested to move from their slip to the launch ramp due to the high winds.

8:30am, received a report of a 34ft fishing vessel with two persons onboard taking on water.  Officers responded along with Vessel Assist and U.S. coastguard.  The vessel was 3 miles Southwest of the Harbor.  The source of the water was an old intake hose that failed.  The vessel was dewatered and Vessel Assist towed it back to their slip in Ventura Harbor for repairs.

11:48am, officers received a report of a man resisting arrest from Ventura PD.  He fled by jumping in the ocean at Pierpont.  Patrol responded by boat and PD ascertained that the individual did not commit a crime and was left swimming.

12:46pm, officers were dispatched to a water rescue at the Ventura Pier.  Ventura PD received a report that a suicidal woman was en route to drive her vehicle off the pier.  Officers responded by boat with a rescue swimmer but Ventura PD stopped the vehicle on the California Street bridge.
 

10-3

 

 12:05am, officers monitored lobster season opener at the detached breakwall.  Officers estimated 30 various types of vessels, small boats/kayaks/inflatables were engaged in hoopnetting for spiny lobster.  Warnings were issued to operators of several vessels for various boating and fishing violations.

6:15pm-11:30pm, officers monitored hoop netting activity and issuing multiple warnings for violations to several fishermen for boating and fishing infractions.  Patrol confiscated several unattended hoopnets placed illegally in closed areas inside and outside the harbor.
10-4 12:39pm, officers received a dispatch to a fall victim at the VHV fuel pier.  Patrol responded by vehicle and assessed the patient along with Ventura fire department.  The patient fell 10ft from a deck on a purse seiner injuring his ribs.  He refused transport and drove himself to local hospital.

Vol. 8, No. 26 – September 30 – October 13, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

9-12 10:27am, patrol was dispatched to an individual complaining of difficulty breathing.  The patient was treated then transported to local hospital by AMR.
3:04pm, Lifeguards requested assistance with a multiple water rescue at the South jetty.  Patrol responded by boat and pulled two swimmers from a rip current.  The victims were released without incident or injuries.
9-13 2:50pm, Vessel assist requesting assistance locating a lost vessel near the power plant.  Lifeguards located the 17ft skiff near the Santa Clara river mouth.  Patrol deployed a swimmer and marked the semi submerged vessel for later retrieval by Vessel Assist.
12:55am, officers observed a suspicious vessel near the break wall suspected of poaching.  Patrol contacted the operators of the skiff at the launch ramp when they hauled-out.  Nothing illegal was discovered after a safety inspection.
9-14 7:40am, an investigation into a large fishing vessel refusing to comply with harbor speeding ordinance was completed with the captain receiving a citation for multiple speed and wake law violations.

12:55am, officers were monitoring severe weather including heavy rain downpours.  The severe rain caused large amounts of debris flowing out of the Barranca near the keys.
 9-15

 

9-16

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9-17

  6:06pm, officers observed a large power outage throughout the Harbor.  During the outage patrol received several calls for malfunctioning alarms due to the power loss and when it came back on.

1:30pm, observed a 44ft sailboat, Lord David adrift near Harbor Cove.  A boater assisted the vessel with a tow to the entrance.  The skipper was having trouble raising his sails.  Patrol responded and towed the vessel a mile out because he was heading to Santa Barbara.

5:40pm, patrol was dispatched to a water rescue near Surfers Point.  Officers assisted a kite surfer unable to re-fly his kite.  He was released downcoast of the Pier and lifeguards escorted him to shore.

6:45pm, patrol monitored radio traffic for the vessel Lord David taking on water and the U.S. Coastguard taking the skipper on board their vessel.  The vessel was abandoned in the shipping lanes and current position unknown.

7:00pm,Tsunami advisory issued for California from San Onofre to Ragged Point for a 8.3 magnitude earthquake off of Chile.  Patrol monitoring and preparing for estimated arrival of tsunami at 5am tomorrow.

5:25am, officers meeting with scientists from USC to assist in monitoring and recording the tsunami event with scientific buoys, cameras and the districts tsunami gauge.

5:50am, officers observing the first significant outgoing surge from the Ventura Keys.  Throughout the rest of the day in-coming and out-going surges were observed.  The largest that was witnessed by officers monitoring the tide stick on the longdock was 2 feet in 10 minutes.  No damage was reported; just a few of the navigation buoy aides were moved off station in the harbor.

1:10pm, tsunami advisory cancelled by the Ventura County Sheriff’s office.

2:30pm, patrol received a request for a tow of a small sailboat taking on water in the keys.  The vessel was towed and released at the Ventura Yacht club.

 

 

 

 

Vol. 8, No. 25 – September 16 – September 29, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

8:30 3:00pm, Officers were dispatched to an injury from a fight in the Harbor Village.  Patrol responded and staged in the area while police investigated.  The subjects involved in the fight resolved the issue and refused medical care.
4:39pm, officers were dispatched to a near drowning of an 8 year old female who aspirated water while caught in a rip current at the South Jetty. City fire arrived and assessed the patient.
5:19pm, officers were dispatched to a tree on fire near Harbor Blvd/Spinnaker Drive.  After searching the area, officers were unable to locate a fire.
9-1
9:23pm, patrol was dispatched to injury from an assault.  While they were staging waiting for PD, they were approached by the victim.  City police arrived and took over the investigation.  The victim was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
9-3
9:40pm, officers were dispatched to a fall victim at 4 Points Sheraton.  The patient was a 58 year old woman who was intoxicated at the hotel bar and fell suffering a large hematoma on the back of her head.  She was transported to local hospital for further evaluation.
9-4
12:50pm, received a dispatch to a 75 year old woman who fainted while playing bridge at the Four Points Sheraton hotel.  She was treated for syncope and transported to local hospital.
9-5
4:58pm, Harbor Patrol received a report of a vessel listing heavily in its slip.  Officers responded and discovered a vessel listing but not in danger of sinking because it had a livewell full of water on the stern and was not taking on water.

5:37pm, while on patrol in the vehicle, officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly on the large dirt parcel near the launch ramp.  The driver of the vehicle was detained and issued a citation for driving on the dirt lot.

9-9
7:50am, while on patrol officers contacted the subjects on the suspicious vessel from yesterday.  5 subjects were interviewed, all with criminal records and they were warned to leave their slip at 12 and not return to the Harbor.

12:35pm, contacted the suspicious vessel attempting to secure a slip in Ventura Harbor Village.  Officers informed the skipper they could go North or South to attempt to secure a slip, but that their suspicious nature would hinder any attempt at securing a slip in Ventura Harbor.

3:45pm, Officers observed the suspicious vessel leave, heading South.
Thursday 9-10

 

 

 

 

 

Vol. 8, No. 23 – August 19 – September 1, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

8-1 5:33pm, harbor patrol received a report of a two vessels near the Surfers Knoll groin in need of assistance.  Officers responded in two separate boats.  Upon arriving on scene, one of the vessels was observed in immediate danger in the surfline.  Patrol passed a tow line to the small disabled vessel.  The boat was rescued along with all ten souls onboard.  The other vessel was not in immediate danger and was assisted without incident.
8-1 7:54pm, received a dispatch to a water rescue at Emma Wood group camp.  Officers responded in the fireboat from the harbor.  The victim was rescued from a rip current and released at the scene.
8-2 3:45pm, officers observed a vendor, 805 jetski rentals operating without a permit at the public launch ramp.  He was contacted and advised of the violation.  The individual is under investigation for operating without a permit.
8-5 7:15am, officers received a report of a stolen standup paddle board from a VIM tenant.  After a few days of investigation, the board was discovered for sale on craigslist.  The incident is under investigation.
8-6 12:05pm, officers received a report of a vessel sinking at the fuel pier.  Patrol responded and dewatered the fishing vessel.  With assistance from a crew member, the source of the leak was discovered in the rudder post.  The owner was notified and was en route from Long Beach to repair the boat.
8-7 4:25pm, officers received a report from lifeguards of a stingray strike at Surfers Knoll Groin.  Patrol responded, assessed and treated the injury, transported the patient to his vehicle where a family member drove him to a local hospital for further evaluation.
8-8

 

8-9

 1200pm, harbor patrol received a dispatch to a water rescue near the South Jetty.  Officers responded by boat to assist lifeguards with four persons caught in a rip current.

5:23pm, officers were dispatched to a person not breathing on their sailboat in Ventura West Marina.  After arriving on scene it was determined that the male had died earlier and was not viable for resuscitation.

Vol. 8, No. 22 – August 5 – August 18, 2015 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

7-20 12:24pm, Harbor Patrol officers were dispatched to a traffic collision at the intersection of Schooner and Harbor Blvd.  All of the parties involved were treated at the scene and released.  The entry feature to the launch ramp overflow parking lot was severely damaged in the accident.
7-20 4:32pm, officers received a report of a stingray sting at Surfers Knoll.  They responded and treated the patient with hot water.  The patient believed he was attacked by a shark, but the nature of the injury suggested otherwise. The patient was transported by ambulance to a local hospital for further treatment.
7-22 10:35pm, while on patrol in the truck, officers contacted several different recreational vehicles parked throughout the harbor for violating no camping ordinances.
7-23 5:31pm, officers received a call from an individual complaining of shortness of breath aboard his vessel in Ventura West marina.  Patrol notified fire dispatch and a full response was activated.  After fire and ambulance responded and treated the individual he was transported to local hospital.
7-23 6:50pm, patrol received a report of a disabled vessel at Harbor Cove.  When they arrived on scene, 3 persons were in the water and 4 persons were onboard the disabled vessel.  All persons and the vessel were rescued and released without incident.
 

7-23

 9:01pm, patrol was dispatched to a 44 year old female who fell at the Four Points Sheraton lobby.  The patient was unsure what happened but appeared intoxicated.  She was treated for minor injuries then transported to a local hospital.
7-24 7:55am, officers received a report that a local transient was erratically and recklessly driving his van nearly ran over another local transient who was exiting the launch ramp restrooms.  The incident is being investigated.
7-24 5:03pm, patrol received a report from a concerned person that two dogs were in a vehicle at the village, possibly suffering from heat stroke.  Officers responded and ascertained that the vehicle was likely too hot for the dogs.  VC animal control was summoned and they concurred with patrol and the owner of the dogs was issued a stern written warning for the violation.
7-25 7:55am, officers received a report of a disabled vessel at the fuel dock.  The fishing vessel was towed and released to its slip in Ventura Harbor Village.