Search suspended for 5-year-old girl swept into ocean by rough surf at popular California beach
Responding crews searched for more than 30 hours and covered more than 90 square miles.
FILE: Watch: Coast Guard saves girl swept out from California beach
An 11-year-old girl was saved by the Coast Guard in Humboldt County, California after she was swept out into deep waters and was in distress.
LOS ANGELES - Dangerous waves and hazardous surf swept a 5-year-old girl into the ocean near Laguana Beach Tuesday while she was with two other individuals.
According to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watchstanders received a call around 8 p.m. local time from the Laguna Beach Fire Department dispatch reporting that a child had been struck by a wave and swept out into rough surf.
NAVY EMPLOYEE IN CRITICAL CONDITION FOLLOWING SHARK ATTACK NEAR BASE ON FLORIDA PANHANDLE
Two other individuals were with her at the time — another child and an adult — who made it safely back to shore with the help of bystanders.
LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 8: Palm trees line the coast as the sun sets on Treasure Island Beach on a fall day on November 8, 2024, in Laguna Beach, California.
(Kevin Carter / Getty Images)
Responding crews searched for more than 30 hours and covered more than 90 square miles.
"Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.
He emphasized that suspending a search is always a very difficult decision to make. "We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026," Crecy said.