Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Laguna Beach Girl
A 5-year-old girl remains missing after a powerful wave swept her and her family into the ocean from a Southern California beach on Tuesday evening, prompting a massive search effort that was suspended after more than 30 hours. The U.S. Coast Guard called off its active search Wednesday evening, though local agencies continue routine monitoring.
The incident occurred around 7:30 p.m. on June 9 at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach. According to city officials, a mother and her two children were near the shoreline when a large wave pulled all three into the rough surf. Bystanders immediately entered the water and managed to rescue the mother and one child, identified in local reports as the girl's brother. Both were reported to be in stable condition. The young girl, however, was not found.
The search operation involved multiple agencies, including the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department, the Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Crews utilized divers, rescue boats, helicopters, and shore-based personnel, expanding the search area from the last known location to adjacent beaches and offshore zones. They covered more than 90 square miles...