Girlfriend Saves Man in Boating Accident

A Thousand Oaks man was recovering at Ventura County Medical Center on Sunday night after his girlfriend saved him from drowning when he was knocked overboard when their boat ran aground near the Mandalay Bay power plant, authorities said.

The 56-year-old man, whose name was not released, was unconscious and not breathing when his girlfriend, a physician, pulled him ashore near McGrath State Beach about 4 p.m. and administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, authorities said.

Rescue personnel arrived to find the man already revived, but in serious condition. Authorities said he did not know how to swim and was underwater for more than a minute.

He was airlifted to the hospital, where he is listed in stable condition, authorities said.

The beach grounding of the 30-foot cabin cruiser, the C Gal, brought a quick response from state lifeguards, the Ventura and Channel Islands harbor patrols, Oxnard Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and U. S. Coast Guard.

“It happened right in the middle of everybody’s area,” Ventura Harbor Patrolman John Higgins said.

The couple, who own the boat, and their three children were traveling between Channel Islands and Ventura harbors when they encountered engine trouble.

They dropped anchor, but it dragged on the ocean floor, and the late afternoon high tide pulled the boat ashore, Higgins said.

The 4- to 6-foot waves in the surf line knocked the father and one of his children overboard. The 8-year-old boy swam ashore, but his father was pulled under.

Authorities said the couple should have put on life vests when their boat began having mechanical problems.

“He’s lucky that he’s alive,” Higgins said.

The boat, which was still beached near the state park, will be salvaged, authorities said.