Two Die in Catalina Storm

Huge breaking waves and winds above 40 knots battered Catalina Island December 30, taking the lives of two men: Harbor Patrol assistant Tim Mitchell, 39, and liveaboard boater Bruce Ryder, 53.

Described by residents as the worst storm to hit the island in years, if not decades, the storm conditions led to every boat in Avalon Harbor and beyond jerking at its mooring lines. At least four vessels were violently driven ashore. 

According to eyewitnesses, Mitchell, a 14-year Avalon resident, had been working to save boats during the storm, and was on the deck of the dive vessel King Neptune, which he had formerly worked aboard, when he apparently fell overboard and was pinned between the boat and the rocks. Attempts by other harbor patrolmen to save his life were unsuccessful. His body was retrieved by divers late Wednesday morning. 

According to the coroner’s office, Ryder died in a "water-related incident," but details are not yet clear. His body was seen floating at roughly 6:30 a.m. Wednesday, and was retrieved shortly afterwards.