Search Efforts for Missing Teen in Laguna Beach Amid High Surf

In Laguna Beach, California, the search for a teenage girl who was swept away by a large wave on a Southern California beach continues to expand. The incident occurred while the girl was walking along the sand at Treasure Island Beach with her mother and brother.

According to Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond, the event took place on Tuesday evening when the family was caught by the waves and pulled into the ocean. Fortunately, two bystanders managed to rescue the mother and brother, who are reported to be in stable condition. However, a man who assisted had to be rescued by a city lifeguard after being overwhelmed by waves reaching approximately 10 feet.

Chief Bond stated, “We’re expanding our search to include adjacent beaches, and we’re using divers, rescue vessels, and air resources to search the area. But at this point we haven’t found her.” The search teams from Laguna Beach Marine Safety are collaborating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard.

National Weather Service reports indicated that many beaches in Southern California should expect waves from 5 to 8 feet through Thursday night, with some areas experiencing even higher waves. Malibu, for example, could face waves reaching up to 10 feet.

Meteorologist Philip Gonsalves noted that in Orange County, where Laguna Beach is situated, usual surf heights are under 6 feet. Recent conditions have seen surf heights peak at 10 feet, though they are expected to decrease in the following 24 hours. The high surf is primarily affecting beaches facing south or southwest as large swells from the Southern Hemisphere’s winter storms approach the region.