A high surf warning remained in effect Monday as massive waves pounded the Northern California shoreline, killing one person on a Santa Cruz County beach and leaving another missing in Monterey County.
Around 11:30 a.m., California State Parks and Fire personnel arrived at Sunset State Beach in response to reports of a man buried beneath rubble, according to Santa Cruz County officials.
According to the county, the individual was caught by debris that washed up by a big wave. After being saved, he was brought to the hospital, where he eventually passed away.
The tragedy occurs after the National Weather Service issued a high surf warning for San Francisco, the Peninsula coast, the Monterey Bay, the Big Sur Coast, and the North Bay coast, including Point Reyes National Seashore. The advisory is in force until noon on Tuesday. Along the coast, 30- to 35-foot breaking waves are anticipated.
Around 12:45 p.m., large waves also struck the Santa Cruz wharf, causing a portion of the wharf to collapse and pushing three people into the water.
Two of the three construction workers were pulled out of the ocean by lifeguards, while the third managed to escape the surf by themselves.
Around noon, a guy was dragged into the water by a large wave at Marina State Beach, which is roughly half an hour south of Sunset State Beach. People in the neighborhood attempted to assist, but rescue efforts were impeded by heavy currents and very huge waves, according to marina police.
Rescue workers went to the area near Dunes Drive where the man had gone into the sea, but they were unable to obtain “visual confirmation” of his identity. The US Coast Guard and the Air element of the California Highway Patrol began a search, but their efforts proved fruitless.
According to marina police, the search was canceled at 2:00 p.m. because staff were in danger due to deteriorating weather.
Police did not reveal the man’s identification.
The Sonoma County Fire District said that three people were rescued in the North Bay after being swept away by a wave. Around 12:30 p.m., according to the fire district, they were washed off the edge of Scotty’s Creek.
They were discovered clinging to rocks. A wave carried the other two upstream, where they were rescued. According to the fire district, one person was released on the spot and two were transported to the hospital.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.