Beached Boat Back at Dana Point Harbor

The 30-foot Bayliner that sank off of Dana Point Harbor on Sunday has been returned to a boat slip where it remains under lock and key.

According to Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman Jim Amormino, the accident that took the life of Mike Benet 46, of Orange who died after being airlifted to Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, is under investigation.

According to U.S. Coast Guard officials, another man and two women were aboard the recreational boat when it became pinned against the rocks and a wave swept them overboard about 7:30 p.m. Sunday.

Coast Guard Command Center personnel in San Pedro heard a brief, unidentifiable mayday call about 6 p.m.  Orange County Fire Authority rescue personnel found the boat pinned against the rocks as a large swell engulfed it, sweeping the passengers overboard.

None of the boaters was wearing lifejackets.

At the time of the accident, waves were estimated to be 9- to 10-feet high.

The boat remained in place until Wednesday, when a crane was brought in to lift it. The boat was towed back to the harbor late Wednesday evening.

Further details of the investigation were not available.