SAR News: Search continues for man swept away by waves

Monday, February 25, 2008

SAR News: Search continues for man swept away by waves

A 23-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes man has been missing since Sunday evening. Heavy surf is expected again today.

Los Angeles County Fire Department swimmers searched again this morning for a missing 23-year-old Rancho Palos Verdes man swept out to sea Sunday night while walking on rocks with two friends.

In the wake of a Saturday night rainstorm, waves in the area rose to 14 feet at the time the man disappeared, investigators said. The two other men were unharmed, according to L.A. County Fire Inspector Frank Garrido.

Authorities have notified the missing man's family, but have not released his name.

The search was put on hold at high tide late last night, as waves rose to 25 feet. Swimmers began combing the water again at low tide this morning, about 6 a.m., with help from L.A. County sheriff's deputies and U.S. Coast Guard staff, Garrido said. They plan to continue the search today until high-tide waves become too treacherous, he said.

The National Weather Service has issued a high surf advisory for Los Angeles coastal areas until 9 a.m. Tuesday morning -- noon in Orange County and San Diego Counties.

Seal Beach pier closed Sunday due to high surf, but reopened this morning, police said. The Manhattan Beach pier remains closed until the surf dies down, police said.

The U.S. Coast Guard reported that it rescued more swimmers than usual this weekend from rip currents, and officials cautioned those swimming, fishing and walking on local beaches today to keep an eye on the surf.

"Especially stay off the jetties and the rocks," said U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Andrew Munoz. "Those waves can come out of nowhere and take people by surprise."

Source: LA Times

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Monday, February 25, 2008