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Coast Guard Suspends Search for Two Surfers Reported Off Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Officials cited survivability assessments given 54°F water with 7–9 foot swells.

Overview

  • Two surfers were reported calling for help around 6:30 p.m. Friday about 200 yards offshore from Lighthouse Point.
  • A 47-foot lifeboat from Monterey and a helicopter from Air Station San Francisco began the search, then the cutter Alder took over around 1 a.m.
  • Santa Cruz Fire Department and Civil Air Patrol assisted as more than 90 miles were searched over roughly 10–10.5 hours with no sign found.
  • Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zapawa said the decision followed evaluation of search results, environmental conditions, and survivability.
  • Reports differ on the suspension time—about 8 a.m. Saturday or Sunday—and authorities ask anyone with information to call Coast Guard Sector San Francisco at 415-399-7399.