4 rescued after wave overturns sailboat into Redondo Beach Pier

Four people were rescued late Thursday after their sailboat was swept by a powerful wave into the Redondo Beach Pier, capsizing and slamming into its wooden pilings in front of onlookers.

Redondo Beach Harbor Patrol officers and Los Angeles County lifeguards pulled the passengers to safety after the 7 p.m. collision. Firefighters gave them medical evaluations.

The dramatic scene was filmed by several passersby on the iconic pier. Footage shows the passengers trying to keep steady as the sailboat bobbed on the choppy water. Moments later, they were sent flying toward the pier when a strong wave overturned the boat. Officials said it was destroyed in the rough waters.

Authorities said the occupants had been out sailing in a weekly boat race when they were thrashed about by wind-driven waves.