1 Dead, 1 Missing as Massive Waves Batter Northern California Coastline
One person died in Santa Cruz County, and another remains missing in Monterey County after large waves struck Northern California’s coastline Monday, spurred by a high surf warning from the National Weather Service.
Santa Cruz County Incident
Around 11:30 a.m., emergency responders from California State Parks and local fire crews were called to Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz County, where a man was reportedly trapped under debris swept ashore by a massive wave. He was rescued and transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, officials said.
The tragedy coincided with a high surf warning in effect through Tuesday noon, with the National Weather Service predicting waves between 30 and 35 feet along the coast, including areas such as San Francisco, Point Reyes National Seashore, the Monterey Bay, and Big Sur.
Later, around 12:45 p.m., powerful waves struck the Santa Cruz Wharf, causing a partial collapse and throwing three people into the water. Lifeguards rescued two construction workers, while the third managed to escape the surf unaided.
Monterey County Search and Rescue Efforts
At Marina State Beach, approximately 30 minutes south of Sunset State Beach, a man went missing around noon after being pulled into the water by a high surf. Bystanders attempted to assist but were thwarted by the massive waves and strong currents.
Rescue teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard and California Highway Patrol’s Air Unit, launched a search near Dunes Drive, but adverse conditions prevented them from locating the man. The search was called off at 2 p.m. as worsening weather posed risks to the rescue teams. The man’s identity has not been released.
Sonoma County Rescues
In the North Bay, the Sonoma County Fire District reported rescuing three people who were swept off the edge of Scotty's Creek by a wave around 12:30 p.m. One individual was found clinging to rocks, while the other two were carried upstream by the powerful surf. Two were hospitalized, and the third was released on-site.
Authorities continue to urge residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution near the coastline as dangerous conditions persist.
