Man swept into ocean during baptism disappears

Man swept into ocean during baptism disappears

Man swept into ocean during baptism disappears
Updated Apr 1, 2014 10:39 AM
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. (KTLA)

A person disappeared after being swept into the surf during a baptism in Santa Barbara County, Calif., Sunday morning, according to authorities.

Just before 10 a.m. on Sunday, three people were pulled into the ocean off Guadalupe Dunes Park near the conclusion of the baptismal ceremony, Capt. David Sadecki of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department stated in a news release.

Two of the people were able to get out of the water on their own and were uninjured, but a third person did not return and a search effort began, according to Sadecki.

Family members identified the missing person as a 43-year-old man from Santa Maria, Calif., according to TV station KCOY.

Water rescue teams and two helicopter searches were unable to locate the person, Sadecki stated.

On Monday, authorities investigated numerous reports that a body was seen in the water about 2 to 4 miles north of Guadalupe Dunes Park.

However, the object floating near the surf line was found to be fishing buoys that were mistaken for a body, Sadecki stated.

The fire department suspended their search for the person Monday morning, but U.S. Coast Guard personnel continued to search with a boat and a helicopter.

A California State Parks water rescue team was also at the scene with personal water crafts, according to Sadecki.