12 Rescued as Tuna Boat Sinks Off Catalina
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Twelve people were rescued Sunday after a commercial tuna boat crashed against the rocks and sank off Santa Catalina Island, authorities reported.
The 11 crew members and captain of the San Vito took refuge in a small rowboat until they were rescued by lifeguards from the Bay Watch Rescue Team, according to Lt. John Stonier, spokesman for the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
The 85-foot craft was headed out to sea early Sunday on a fishing expedition but poor visibility made navigation difficult, Stonier said.
The San Vito capsized about a quarter of a mile east of Catalina’s west end about 12:30 a.m. and sank in 185 feet of water. It was valued at $250,000.
The rescued men, including the captain, Benetto Manzella, 45, of San Pedro, were taken to Avalon and were reported in good condition.
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