channel islands

The two kayakers used a cell phone to call for help.

21 people taken into custody.

Visitors will be able to return to the island July 1 for day use, but it will remain closed for camping indefinitely.

A team of specialists is now on the island evaluating damage to environmental and historical resources. The island is closed to the public indefinitely.

A team of experts will spend the next week on Santa Rosa Island assessing the fire's impacts.

The blaze started May 15 and has charred more than a third of the island, with containment now at 97%

The 18,000+ acre wildfire is now 97% contained.

Coast Guard officials say the fire was started by a boater who fired a flare gun after his boat crashed onto Santa Rosa Island.

Five of those in custody had been previously deported.

The expedition is the third in a series by the ocean conservation group Oceana, which has collected thousands of DNA samples.