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GoPro Footage and Official Praise Follow Santa Cruz Surfers’ Rescue of Family of Six

Officials credit about 10 surfers, including 14-year-old Ian Anderson and big-wave veteran Darryl Virostko, with pulling a family of six from rough seas.

Overview

  • New GoPro video shared with KSBW shows surfers racing to a capsized boat and a teen placing a young boy on his board during the rescue.
  • Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey recognized the rescuers on Thursday, and the department said 10 surfers took part, including two who are 14.
  • The four children wore life vests but the parents did not, according to KSBW and accounts from surfers who responded.
  • The boat flipped near Steamer Lane on February 6, and all six occupants were brought to safety by nearby surfers.
  • City officials said they are considering a formal ceremony to honor the surfers, as authorities renewed cautions about high-surf hazards and life-jacket use.