A mother and the woman's boyfriend were arrested after a toddler was found alone on a speedboat in Southern California over the weekend, police said.
Shortly before 5 p.m. Sunday, a toddler was seen “lying precariously” on the swim step of a powerboat moored in Marina del Rey, a popular boating area outside Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. A concerned citizen called 911 after receiving a report that the incident occurred. he said in an Instagram post.
Sheriff's Harbor Patrol Boats and Support Patrol Units rushed to the scene and found the boy alone on the boat.
A photo released by the sheriff's office showed the boy wearing a black Nike T-shirt being held by a smiling female deputy.
After a medical examination by first responders, he was released into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.
“Fearing the worst, deputies requested additional resources to search for the infant.” [sic] Parent is missing,” the sheriff’s post states.
Lifeguards from the Los Angeles County Fire Department were also dispatched to conduct an underwater search.
Hours later, the baby's mother and her boyfriend showed up at the marina and were arrested on child endangerment charges, authorities said.
Officials have not released further details about the incident.
The Sheriff's Office thanked the public for remaining vigilant and speaking up when they see something suspicious.
“In this case, they most likely saved the life of an innocent infant,” authorities said.
