Thrown Overboard, He Found a Buoy Covered in Seals
A 29-year-old fisherman survived a terrifying night in the cold waters off California’s Central Coast by clinging to a buoy—alongside a group of seals.
According to the Morro Bay Police Department, John Gsell was thrown into the 55-degree water around 10 p.m. Friday after his boat struck a large object. With his vessel drifting out of reach, Gsell began swimming toward the faint moonlit outline of Morro Rock, a landmark off the coast.
During his swim, he spotted a buoy in the distance and spent nearly an hour reaching it. He managed to pull himself aboard, where he found a few seals already resting—unlikely companions during his long, cold vigil.
At about 4:45 a.m. Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard found Gsell’s empty boat floating roughly a quarter mile from Morro Strand State Beach. That discovery triggered a multi-agency search involving Harbor Patrol, fire crews, and local police.
Gsell remained missing until about 6:45 a.m., when a fellow fisherman, heading out early, spotted him perched on the buoy about a mile offshore from Morro Rock. He was rescued safely, bringing an end to a dramatic overnight ordeal.
A local resident called the experience “a testament to the grit of the fisherman.” Gsell, a former U.S. Marine, was praised by authorities for his resilience.
“We thank the local fisherman for his early departure and sharp eye—it most likely saved Gsell’s life,” police said, noting the rescue reunited him with loved ones.
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