AVALON - Three people died, but four others are recovering after their small boat capsized in heavy surf off Santa Catalina Island on Saturday.

The incident was reported to the Coast Guard about 9:30 a.m. when a 15-foot skiff with seven people overturned near Salta Verde Point.

The boat capsized after being hit by two waves, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

A Good Samaritan rescued two boaters and reported seeing another person on the rocks, who was eventually rescued by a helicopter. A Catalina Island Conservancy officer found another person who had made it safely to shore. The four survivors were taken to local hospitals on the mainland.

Baywatch officials recovered the three deceased people from the water, officials said. Names of those involved were not immediately released.

Authorities said the small boat may have been overloaded.

Story Date: June 28, 2016