A California man who cannot swim has recounted his harrowing survival after being lost at sea for 12 hours off the coast of Long Beach. Paul Anthony Carbullido Jr., 53, was on a sunset jet ski ride with his roommate, Donna Durbay, when a large wave struck, knocking them both into the water. Durbay was swept toward a break wall, but Carbullido was separated and drifted out into the ocean.
Carbullido described the experience as terrifying, stating he was paddling through the pitch-black water with no sense of direction and fearing the worst. He was wearing only light clothing and a life jacket. He was last seen near the Queens Gate Entrance Channel around 7 p.m. on Sunday, and was eventually rescued by the U.S. Coast Guard via helicopter at 10:30 a.m. on Monday.
"Oh, man, there was relief," Carbullido told NBC Los Angeles. "I was like, if there's a God out there, there was relief. I can't describe it. I was ready to give up."
Both Carbullido and Durbay were described as inexperienced jet ski riders. After the separation, Durbay was unable to start her jet ski and called the rental company. She then began yelling for help from the Long Beach Breakwater, where she was heard by fishermen and eventually rescued by lifeguards about five hours later. She was taken to the hospital in stable condition and later released.
Following a significant search effort involving the Long Beach Police Department, a U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer was deployed by helicopter. Dramatic footage captured the moment Carbullido, shivering and exhausted, was winched to safety aboard a stretcher. He was transported to a local hospital and diagnosed with hypothermia. Durbay had initially feared the worst, believing he may not have survived the ordeal.
Carbullido is now recovering in stable condition. The incident highlights the dangers of recreational water activities, particularly for those with limited swimming abilities.