The emergency operation was activated when a rescue helicopter located the international distress signal "SOS" written in the ash on the ground, which allowed for the exact location of the castaway on Santa Rosa Island to be identified. Reduced visibility due to smoke and the conditions of the fire initially complicated aerial search efforts.
Once located, the man was hoisted from the island and airlifted to Camarillo Airport. There, medical personnel conducted an initial assessment, confirming that the crew member did not sustain serious injuries despite the maritime accident and exposure to the hostile environment.
According to authorities, the stranded sailboat had crashed into rocks overnight, forcing the survivor to seek refuge on the island as the fire spread in the vicinity.
The cause of the fire on Santa Rosa Island remains under investigation, while the Coast Guard maintains surveillance in the area due to potential risks for maritime navigation and regional safety.