Rescuers Unable to Save Unconscious Surfer

A surfer died after he was pulled unconscious from the ocean near Isla Vista, authorities said.

Surfers at the Depressions area near Coal Oil Point noticed the man acting strangely Sunday afternoon. He was dunking his head in the water as he paddled toward waves, authorities said.

Surfers found the man unconscious about 200 yards offshore. They placed him on his board and attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation before bringing him to shore.

Surfer Greg Holmes said the man had no pulse, but coughed up blood and seawater. The cause of death was unclear, but county fire officials said the man may have had a heart attack.