Drenched Man Hospitalized, Companion Sought
Rescuers combed the city beach here Thursday night, searching for a person who may have fallen into the ocean near Pacific Coast Highway and Huntington Street.
The Fire Department started searching about 9 p.m., when a truck camper parked at the beach called. The camper, who was not identified, told fire officials that shortly before 9 p.m. a drenched, fully dressed man banged on his camper door.
The man, about 30, apparently was deaf with a speech impediment, fire officials said. But through signs and other indications, the camper got a rough message that another person was still in the ocean.
The camper then telephoned city officials, and the search began.
Fire officials said they have no idea how or why the clothed man fell or walked into the ocean. He was taken to Pacifica Community Hospital and treated for hypothermia.
Officials said they are not sure whether another person was with the man and also fell or strayed into the ocean. But they said the possibility could not be ignored, so they started searching.
The hunt focused on the stretch of beach near the new Waterfront Hilton at Huntington Beach, but it extended as far north as the Municipal Pier, which is being reconstructed.
The city’s police helicopter flew over the ocean near the strand, using a spotlight. On the beach, city personnel also used spotlights on trucks.
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