SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- A “gust of significant wind” caused a SeaWorld ride to shut down Monday night, trapping approximately 16 people as temperatures plummeted.
Rescue crews were called to the Bayside Skyride at the park just before 7:30 p.m.
A total of five gondolas became stuck, SeaWorld confirmed in a statement. The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department said during a news conference that the rescue could take hours because each individual has to be rescued separately.
The incident comes as temperatures in San Diego are expected to dip into the low 40s overnight. As of 9:18 p.m. Monday, temperatures were already in the low 50s. The theme park said in a statement that blankets were on board each gondola to help keep people warm.
SeaWorld sent 10News the following statement Monday night:
Guest safety is paramount. Due to an unusual gust of significant wind, the operations of the Bayside Skyride stopped. A number of guests are currently on the Skyride seated in 5 gondolas. We are currently working with San Diego Fire & Rescue and the San Diego Lifeguards to evacuate the guests from the ride. We practice emergency evacuation procedures with local first responders annually. We are in contact with the guests via intercom, and they have been made aware of the evacuation procedures. There are also blankets on board each gondola. Evacuations will be conducted in accordance with the highest safety standards. All the guests are currently safe while awaiting evacuation. Guest safety is our top priority. Once our guests are cared for, we will conduct a thorough inspection of the ride prior to re-opening. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused the guests.
According to SeaWorld’s website, the leisurely family-style ride takes guests on a ride above the park and scenic Mission Bay.
Rescue crews gave an update outside the park.
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