An ocean rescue that began as a report of a surfboard off the Gavioa Coast ended with the recovery of a body Thursday afternoon.

At approximately 1:45 p.m., personnel from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, California State Parks, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and American Medical Response were dispatched to the incident approximately three-fourths of a mile west of Refugio Beach, County Fire Capt. Scott Safechuck said. 

Authorities were alerted about a surfboard 100 yards offshore near the kelp bed. 

A crew from the County Air Support Unit Copter 308, flying over the area, located the surfboard and guided personnel aboard a rescue watercraft to the location. 

An adult male was found below the surface of the water attached to the surfboard’s leash, Safechuck said. 

The victim was transported by rescue watercraft to Refugio State Beach and pronounced deceased, Safechuck added. 

The man’s name, age and hometown were not released and are pending notification of family members.