Search Continues Off Treasure Island Beach for Missing Adolescent Girl

Rescue Effort Continues After Family Swept Into Dangerous Ocean Conditions Last Night at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach

A major ocean rescue operation remains underway this morning (Wednesday) off Treasure Island Beach (directly below the Montage park on the south side of the resort building). First responders continue searching for an adolescent girl reported missing after a family was swept into dangerous water conditions last evening (Tuesday).

At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 9, Laguna Beach emergency dispatchers received a 911 call reporting multiple swimmers in distress near Treasure Island Beach.

According to preliminary information from Laguna Beach Marine Safety, a mother and her two children were near the shoreline when powerful ocean conditions pulled them into the water.

Bystanders immediately entered the ocean and were able to rescue the mother and one child. An adolescent female remains missing.

As I live on Table Rock just above West Street Beach - and as many Laguna Beach residents saw from their front windows – the seriousness of the incident became apparent as multiple rescue helicopters circled repeatedly over South Laguna Tuesday evening, while at least three boats of marine safety personnel searched below.

The search lasted well past 11:00 pm, and resumed again just before 7:00 am.

Chief of Marine Safety Kai Bond says search has expanded

I just spoke with Laguna Beach Marine Safety Captain Kai Bond this morning, who confirmed that the search remains active. Bond told me that the search areas has now been extended and that resources continue searching both from the air and in the water.

The ongoing operation includes personnel from Laguna Beach Marine Safety, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard.

Two of the bystanders who got involved in the emergency rescue were evaluated at the scene and transported by the Laguna Beach Fire Department in stable condition.

This remains a developing story. I will update this article as additional information becomes available.

CAUTION: Surf and waves predicted more treacherous today

While many people have been flocking to the shorelines to witness the “spectacle” of this abnormally high surf, lifeguards and marine personnel have been on an exhausting high alert, rescuing many people who are either swept in or are trying to board or surf the waves without the skill level to handle the waves’ onslaught.

And, as the above story tells us, even bystanders are putting themselves at risk to help people in danger.

Please heed all Marine Safety advisories, beach and beach parking lot closures, warnings and instructions from lifeguard personnel and first responders along the coastline (not just Laguna), and as search operations continue for this girl.