Summary (tl;dr)

Two jet skiers were successfully rescued off the coast of Long Beach, California, after one went missing for approximately 12 hours following an incident on Sunday night, August 16, 2026.

Essential Background

The Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) received emergency calls around 10:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, reporting two missing jet skiers. Authorities, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Long Beach Police Department, immediately launched a coordinated search operation.

The Full Story

Approximately 30 minutes after the initial report, a Good Samaritan heard a woman yelling for help near the Long Beach Breakwater, leading to the swift rescue of the first jet skier by LBFD lifeguards. She was taken to shore in stable condition. The search continued overnight for the second individual, 53-year-old Paul Anthony Carbullido Jr., whose jet ski was found early Monday morning, August 17. Around 10:48 a.m. on Monday, a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter located Carbullido approximately 2.5 miles offshore from the Seal Beach Pier. A rescue swimmer was deployed, and Carbullido, who was exhibiting signs of hypothermia, was hoisted to the helicopter and transported to Long Beach Airport for medical assessment. He was reported to be in stable condition after spending roughly 12 hours in the water.

Why It Matters

This successful multi-agency rescue highlights the inherent dangers of ocean activities, particularly after dark, and underscores the critical importance of swift and coordinated emergency responses. The California coast has experienced a busy summer for lifeguards, with thousands of ocean rescues performed due to heat waves, high surf, and strong rip currents, demonstrating the challenging conditions faced by both recreational water users and rescue personnel. This incident serves as a reminder for individuals to exercise caution and be prepared when engaging in water sports.

Geographic Location

• Long Beach Breakwater, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, United States (rescue of the first jet skier)
• Pacific Ocean offshore from Seal Beach Pier, Seal Beach, Orange County, California, United States (rescue of Paul Anthony Carbullido Jr.)
• Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California, United States (Paul Anthony Carbullido Jr. airlifted for medical transfer)