Wheelchair Falls Off Pier Hospitalized in Critical Condition

SANTA BARBARA - Two bystanders today can be credited with helping rescue a person in a wheelchair that fell of the end of Stearns Wharf.  Friday at 2:15 a 911 call was made to report a person in a wheelchair had fallen off the pier.    The Harbor patrol boat, AMR and Fire responded.  The Harbor Patrol Boat 1 responded from the harbor and was first on scene with the patient. According to the city fire department, the incident happened on the west side (harbor side) of the wharf just south of the bait shop.

After falling into the water, two bystanders immediately jumped into the water to attempt a rescue of the victim. These bystanders were able to retrieve the patient from under the wharf as the harbor patrol boat arrived on scene. The bystanders assisted with lifting the patient onto the boat where CPR was initiated by harbor patrol personnel.

The patient was transported to the personal loading dock on east side of the wharf. Harbor patrol was met by Santa Barbara City firefighters and AMR ambulance personnel. Medical treatment was continued and the patient was transported in critical condition to Cottage Hospital Trauma Center.

The Santa Barbara Police Department is investigating the incident.