A frantic search was launched on Wednesday after a girl was swept away by strong waves along the Orange County coast, while her mother and siblings were likewise pulled out to sea near Laguna Beach.
This alarming situation unfolded around 7:30 PM on Tuesday at Treasure Island Beach, prompting the Marine Safety Authority to respond to multiple reports of swimmers in distress.
Officials reported that the family was caught in a perilous scenario near the shore and got dragged out into deeper waters. Fortunately, some bystanders were able to rescue the woman and one child, but the girl remains unaccounted for.
Videos circulating on social media depicted helicopters hovering and rescue boats combing the water as emergency teams intensively searched through the night and into Wednesday morning.
Two civilians who helped with the rescue were taken to a hospital, but their condition is stable. Meanwhile, details regarding the mother and the rescued child were not immediately available.
This incident coincided with a significant south swell hitting the Southern California coastline, which led to hazardous conditions.
Waves measuring between 5 to 8 feet were expected at various south-facing beaches, with even larger swells anticipated at Newport Beach’s renowned Wedge surf break.
The National Weather Service issued a coastal hazard alert, effective through Thursday afternoon, noting that the highest waves were forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The swell is particularly severe in Orange County, where some areas can expect waves up to 10 feet, and possibly 15 feet in others.
Early Tuesday morning, waves rolled over rock piers in Newport Beach and Dana Point, and rough surf affected areas beneath the piers in Huntington Beach and San Clemente.
At the Wedge, waves can reach heights of 6 meters, as the incoming swell interacts with reflected waves from the pier, creating the towering waves characteristic of this surf break.
Authorities are warning residents and beachgoers about the dangerous sea conditions, urging inexperienced swimmers to remain on shore and avoid the water.
