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After a sunset proposal, a couple in a hot air balloon drifted into the ocean. Photo: NBC/Jenny Parsons.

After a sunset proposal, a couple in a hot air balloon drifted into the ocean. Photo: NBC/Jenny Parsons.


The Inertia

After proposing in a hot air balloon on Sunday night, a man and his fiance drifted off course and ended up in the ocean near Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

According to  KNSD-TV, Eric Barretto and his new fiance were enjoying a sunset balloon ride when the balloon landed in the water in northern San Diego. Just after proposing, the balloon began drifting off course, and the pilot wasn’t able to bring it back around. Hundreds of people lined the coastline as the balloon veered off course and began descending towards the waves. The pilot told reporters that the wind pushed the balloon to the west, and he believed that his best option was to put the balloon in the water so the wind would help push the balloon back to shore. Once they were in the water, Barretto said they put out a line to some nearby surfers. They helped pull the basket back to shore. “It’s unforgettable. That’s all I can say,” Barretto said. “I don’t know if we’ll do it again.”

“Between the lifeguards and the bystanders in the water, the surfers here at Cardiff reef,” said Encinitas Marine Safety Capt. Larry Giles. “Everyone did a great job and they got the balloon back up onto the beach without injury.”

 
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