County

An hourlong search by helicopters from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and the U.S. Coast Guard Saturday night failed to locate two men who were swept out to sea by strong currents in the Tijuana River.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Don Christ identified the two men as Ishmiel Ayala and Ron, last name unknown.

Christ said a witness, Scott Stiggle, told deputies that the two men were swept to sea just after sunset as they were attempting to cross to the northern side of the river. Stiggle, who knew the man only as Ron, said he attempted to help the victims, one of whom could not swim, but found the currents too strong and instead ran to Imperial Beach to summon help.