Man Hurt in Boating Crash Off Crystal Cove

A Mission Viejo man suffered serious head and rib injuries Thursday when his 36-foot trawler crashed into a reef near Crystal Cove, authorities said.

Authorities identified the injured man as Michael Ratliff, 48.

“The boat was found off the reef, partially sunken to the deck line, but it was still afloat,” said Harbor Patrol Lt. Dick Olson. “We’re not sure at this point how he ended up on the reef.”

A resident on the bluffs at Abalone Point spotted the disabled boat at about 12:20 p.m. and called authorities. Moments later, Ratliff, who was alone on the boat, radioed for help.

A fireboat responded to the emergency call and arrived to find Ratliff staggering out of his boat’s cabin with blood on his face. Disoriented, Ratliff tried to talk to officials and then fell overboard, Olson said.

Deputies on the fireboat hoisted Ratliff to safety. He was taken to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, where he was listed in stable condition, authorities said.

The vessel, called the Ichiban, was towed to a Newport Harbor shipyard. The cause of the accident is still under investigation and the damages were undetermined Thursday, Olson said.