Tantalo used a fire extinguisher for floatation during his 24 hours in the water, then used its contents to attract the attention of the Marine Corps helicopter. The Coast Guard diverted its Air Station San Diego rescue helicopter from a training mission, picked up Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer Dave Coats from the Air Station, and arrived on scene at 2 p.m. while the Marine Corps helicopter hovered nearby. The rescue swimmer jumped into the water and helped Tantalo into the rescue basket. The Coast Guard helicopter crew brought Tantalo to the Coast Guard Air Station and transferred him to an awaiting ambulance, which took him to Scripps La Jolla hospital.
Video is available of the entire rescue.