Overview
- Authorities from multiple agencies rescued eight people after a 911 text reported a group trapped just before 8 p.m. Sunday in a cave near Panther State Beach by Davenport.
- Five who could swim waded out with lifeguard help, while three non-swimmers were hoisted by a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to a bluff.
- Responders said the cave opened either through water to a beach with bluff access or onto a pocket beach where the climb was too steep.
- Initial messages suggested as many as 11 people were trapped, yet rescuers confirmed eight at the scene.
- Officials urged visitors to check tide charts and call 911 if stranded, noting the National Weather Service warned of dangerous surf and rip currents on the North Coast over the weekend.