Swimmer Drowns; Friend Hurt in Rescue Attempt

A 29-year-old tourist died Tuesday after being pulled from the surf near a rock jetty at Newport Beach, and a friend who tried to rescue him was hospitalized in fair condition, authorities said.

Yasoda Narahaki of Worcester, Mass., who was vacationing in Orange County with seven friends, apparently was caught in a strong rip current and was about 500 feet from shore when he was spotted floating face down in the surf.

His friend Dhakta Balla, in his late 20s, swam out to help him and also got into trouble, said John Blauer, spokesman for the city’s Fire and Marine Department.

Lifeguards were called about 3:40 p.m. They pulled Narahaki from the water unconscious. Paramedics treated him at the scene and transported him to Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, where he died, Blauer said.

Balla, who had cut himself on rocks and swallowed water while trying to reach Narahaki, also was rescued and transported to Hoag.

Lifeguards recommend that swimmers caught in strong currents try to float and stay calm until help arrives, Blauer said. The force of the surf striking a jetty often pushes a person away from the rocks, providing a buffer, he said.