Fisherman Found Safe After Overnight Ordeal Off Dana Point Coast

In a dramatic turn of events, a 41-year-old fisherman, identified by family as Matt Gomez, was found safe on Wednesday afternoon after being reported missing off the coast of Dana Point, California. Gomez had embarked on a solo fishing trip aboard his 18-foot boat, planning to fish between Dana Point and Catalina Island. When he failed to return as expected, concerns escalated, prompting a search by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The Disappearance

Gomez departed from Dana Point Harbor early Tuesday morning, intending to fish in the waters between Dana Point and Catalina Island. His family became alarmed when he did not return by Tuesday evening, and attempts to contact him were unsuccessful. His truck was found parked in the south parking lot near the boat launch area, and his phone had gone dead approximately 10 miles from Avalon, according to family members.

The Search Effort

The U.S. Coast Guard launched a search operation after Gomez was reported overdue at 3:30 a.m. on Wednesday. He was known to be fishing between Dana Point and Catalina Island aboard his 18-foot boat. The search spanned the waters between Dana Point and Catalina Island, with Coast Guard crews scouring the area for any signs of the missing fisherman.

The Rescue

Early Wednesday afternoon, the Coast Guard established radio communication with Gomez, who was located south of Avalon off Catalina Island's southeastern coast. Details regarding his condition and the circumstances leading to his delayed return have not been released. However, the successful location and communication with Gomez brought relief to his family and the search teams involved.

Community Response

The incident underscores the importance of safety measures for solo fishermen and boaters. Ensuring reliable communication devices, informing others of travel plans, and adhering to safety protocols are crucial steps to prevent similar situations. The community has expressed gratitude for the swift response by the Coast Guard and the safe return of Gomez.

As of now, further details about Gomez's experience during the time he was unaccounted for remain undisclosed. The Coast Guard has not released additional information regarding the incident.