DANA POINT : Man Who Saved 3 Honored for Bravery

As the owner of a San Juan Capistrano motorized water ski dealership, Jeff Magnan already knows all about the recreational value of the watercraft.

But last month he learned firsthand how they can save lives.

Shortly after Magnan launched his motorized water ski into the waters off Dana Point Marina on Oct. 4, a pleasure boat exploded into a ball of flame and smoke.

The five people on the boat jumped overboard to escape the intense heat. Although several boats were sailing in the area, Magnan and his motorized water ski were first to reach the scene.

Magnan single-handedly pulled three people from the water, including a woman who suffered burns and a drowning man, who was weakened by a heart condition.

Last week Magnan was honored for bravery by the Sheriff’s Department and the Dana Point Harbor Assn.

“One of the first things we have to do in these situations is check the water for people,” Deputy Sheriff Richard Cedarstaff said. “His helping out those people was very crucial to us because we could concentrate right away on controlling that boat fire.”

Said Magnan: “Time is precious and with each second that goes by, the chance for injuries increases. The jet ski is close to the water, which makes it easier to rescue someone from the water. I was just happy I was there when the explosion happened.”

The explosion occurred a few minutes after the 20-foot boat had filled its gas tanks at a fuel dock. Witnesses said the engine blew up, sending two people sitting on the engine cover flying through the air.

“I think we were really lucky that nobody was seriously hurt,” Cedarstaff said.

Magnan said he realized that a secondary fuel tank might explode as he approached the burning boat. But despite his fears, he remained calm.

“The thought that ‘my God, what if the extra tanks blow,’ crossed my mind,” Magnan said. “But I was fairly clear-minded. I was very selective over who was rescued first according to need.”

A young woman who jumped through the flames and wound up with second- and third-degree burns was rescued first. He then pulled close to another woman, who told Magnan her husband had a heart condition and was struggling in the water.

“At first he was swimming, but when I got over there it looked like he was ready to go under,” Magnan said. “I got his hand and at first he didn’t grip me, but then he grabbed at my arm and I pulled him aboard. He later told me that he was about ready to give up” the struggle to swim.

Magnan has since communicated by mail with the people whom he rescued and says they are recovering well from the accident.

“I was very happy to be there,” Magnan said. “If it happened again, I’d do the same thing.”