Drunken sailor passes out, boat runs aground off Laguna Beach, Coast Guard says

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- An intoxicated sailor was arrested Sunday afternoon after he passed out and his boat ran aground off the coast of Laguna Beach, U.S. Coast Guard officials said.

Authorities first got the call about a sailboat grounded at Cleo Street Beach around 3:38 p.m. It was listing to its starboard side in the surf zone with the engine still running.

Officials said the sailor, identified as 47-year-old Stephen Michael Fryer of San Diego, appeared to be intoxicated and refused orders to exit the vessel. He was eventually taken off the boat by lifeguards. He did not suffer any injuries, and no one else was on the boat, which was named "Why Knot."

Fryer was booked on suspicion of boating under the influence of alcohol. Officials were not able to tow the approximately 30-foot long sailboat, possibly because the keel was stuck in the sand.

There was no indication of an oil or fuel leak, officials said. As of Monday morning, they were still trying to get the boat off the beach.

Get more Orange County News »

accident, orange county news

• Comment Now
• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•