Hot air balloon lands in ocean after man proposes to girlfriend

ENCINITAS, Calif. -- Lifeguards and surfers have rescued three people out of a hot air balloon after it went into the ocean off a Southern California beach.

CBS affiliate KFMB-TV reports Eric Barretto was proposing to his girlfriend during their sunset ride Sunday when the balloon drifted off course and hovered over the water off Cardiff by the Sea.

Many people watched as the balloon drifted toward the beach in northern San Diego county and dipped into the water.

Eric Barretto told the station he and his fiancee threw a rope to the water below and several surfers pulled the balloon back to shore.

A witness told U-T San Diego the pilot stayed with the balloon and kept it inflated while it was tugged onto the beach.

No injuries were reported.

Barretto's girlfriend said yes, KFMB reports.