Girl, 5, missing after giant wave sweeps family into ‘dangerous surf’ at Laguna Beach

LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA: A 5-year-old girl remained missing after a giant wave swept her and her family into the ocean at Laguna Beach despite public warnings about dangerous surf conditions.

The search intensified as rescue crews combed the shoreline and nearby waters. The tragedy also renewed attention on how quickly worsening beach conditions can overwhelm families near the water’s edge.

Search shifts to recovery mission

The incident happened around 7.30 pm Tuesday at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, where authorities said a mother and her two children were caught in dangerous conditions near the shoreline.

According to Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill, the family had been walking on the sand when a large wave suddenly surged toward them.

“The family was walking on the sand” when the wave swept all three into the ocean, Orgill told CBS LA.

People nearby immediately rushed into action. Bystanders managed to pull the mother and her son from the water, but the young girl disappeared in the surf.

Search crews from Laguna Beach Marine Safety, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol and the Coast Guard continued searching Wednesday morning. Aerial footage showed rescue personnel in the water around 8 am.

Orgill later told CBS LA that the operation had shifted from a rescue effort to a recovery mission.

Bystanders injured during rescue effort

The dramatic rescue also left two good Samaritans injured.

Officials said two bystanders who helped save the mother and her son were taken to a local hospital with unspecified injuries. Authorities said both remained in stable condition.

Officials have not released additional information about the missing girl or her family.

The rescue effort underscored the dangers facing both victims and those who attempt to help during severe ocean conditions.

Laguna Beach warnings preceded tragedy

Hours before the family was swept into the water, the City of Laguna Beach had already warned residents and visitors about hazardous beach conditions.

The warning was posted on Instagram as a powerful offshore storm system generated increasingly dangerous surf along the Southern California coast.

“Strong rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, and large surf creates hazardous conditions for swimmers, surfers, and anyone near the water’s edge,” the city’s post said.

Authorities said the National Weather Service had issued a Beach Hazards Statement that remains in effect through Thursday night as wave heights continue to increase.

The timing of the tragedy has drawn renewed focus to the limits of coastal safety alerts when rapidly changing ocean conditions collide with crowded beaches.

As recovery crews continued searching Wednesday, the 5-year-old girl remained missing and hazardous surf conditions were expected to persist along the coast through at least Thursday night.