A search is underway in Big Sur after a man was swept into the ocean by powerful waves, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. The incident happened Saturday at Soberanes Point in Garrapata State Park and comes only one week after a separate tragedy in nearly the same location.
Officials say last week’s incident involved a visiting Canadian family. A seven year old girl and her father were pulled into the ocean by waves measuring up to 20 feet at Garrapata State Beach. The child’s mother survived after being rescued and taken to the hospital.
Another Wave Incident Only Miles Away
On Saturday, at around 3 p.m., three people standing near a rock formation were swept into the ocean by surging waves. Two women managed to reach the shoreline, but a man in his 30s was carried away by strong currents. A person nearby called 911 after hearing screams from the water, according to a sheriff’s news release.
Multiple agencies responded, including the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, California Highway Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard. At approximately 4:24 p.m., a Coast Guard helicopter located what appeared to be a body in the water, but officials said dangerous surf conditions caused rescuers to lose sight of it.
As nightfall approached, the search was paused for safety reasons. The search resumed Sunday morning but ended later in the afternoon without locating the missing man. The Coast Guard later confirmed the ongoing risk conditions in the area on their official page at uscg.mil.
Officials Issue Public Warning
Authorities have issued strong warnings urging the public to avoid the coastline in this section of Big Sur. A Beach Hazards Statement remains active through the National Weather Service, which continues to report dangerous surf and sneaker wave activity along California’s central coast. The alert and updates are available at weather.gov.
“Conditions remain extremely dangerous,” the sheriff’s office said. “Community members are strongly advised to stay off coastal rocks and avoid entering the ocean under any circumstances.”
Rising Concerns About Coast Safety
These latest incidents have raised renewed concern about strong surf conditions along California’s coastline. Big Sur is known for its beauty, but the steep cliffs, sudden wave surges, and unpredictable currents make the area hazardous during winter weather patterns.
Local officials say the goal now is to prevent more loss while search teams continue working when conditions allow.
The missing man’s name has not been released as the investigation continues.