Woman Hurt in Boat Accident ‘Critical’

A Malibu woman injured in a boating accident near the mouth of the Santa Clara River remained in critical condition Saturday after nearly drowning, Ventura County Medical Center officials said.

Vicky Rigatti, 43, was knocked unconscious when a wave capsized the 25-foot powerboat she and her husband, Terry, had taken out for a day of fishing Friday afternoon.

The couple had decided to turn back when they encountered large ocean swells. But as they tried to do so, the engine died and a large wave capsized the vessel, knocking the couple into the water, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department officials said.

A teenage surfer and beach-goers pulled Vicky Rigatti ashore, and she was taken to the hospital by helicopter. Her husband was not injured in the accident.

The Rigattis’ powerboat was broken up and destroyed by the surf, officials said. A salvage company removed remnants of the vessel Saturday afternoon, when it washed ashore north of the river.