Search Intensifies for Missing Teen in High Surf at Laguna Beach

A teenage girl remains missing after being swept away by a large wave while walking along Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, California. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening, according to Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond.

During the incident, the girl was walking with her mother and brother when they were suddenly pulled into the ocean. Two bystanders witnessed the event and managed to rescue the mother and son. Both are reported to be in stable condition. However, one of the rescuers also needed assistance from a city lifeguard to escape the powerful waves, which reached heights of about 10 feet (3 meters).

Efforts to find the missing teenager have expanded. Authorities are now searching nearby beaches using divers, rescue vessels, and aerial support. Despite these efforts, the girl has not yet been located, Bond stated.

Assistance in the search comes from the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard. The search has become challenging due to high surf conditions predicted to persist through at least Thursday night. The National Weather Service reports waves between 5 to 8 feet (1.5-2.5 meters), with potential surges reaching up to 10 feet (3 meters) in areas like Malibu.

In Orange County, surf heights typically remain below 6 feet (about 2 meters). Meteorologist Philip Gonsalves noted the unusual height, indicating that it had peaked at 10 feet and was expected to decrease over the next day. The swell results from winter storms in the Southern Hemisphere impacting southern and southwestern facing beaches.