Girl swept away by powerful surf lear Laguna Beach, desperate search continues

A desperate search was underway Wednesday after a young girl was swept away off the Orange County coast when powerful surf dragged her, her sibling and their mother into the ocean near Laguna Beach.

The frightening incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday near Treasure Island Beach, where the Marine Safety Department was called after reports of multiple swimmers in distress.

Officials said the family was caught in dangerous conditions near shore and pulled into the ocean. Bystanders jumped in and rescued the woman and one child, but the girl remained missing, reported ABC7.

Video shared on social media showed helicopters circling overhead and rescue boats searching the water as emergency crews launched a frantic hunt that continued through the night into Wednesday morning.

Two civilians who helped with the rescue were taken to a hospital in stable condition. The condition of the mother and rescued child was not immediately known.

The disappearance came as a powerful south swell battered Southern California beaches, creating hazardous conditions along the coast.

Many south-facing beaches were expected to see waves of 5 to 8 feet, with even larger sets arriving at Newport Beach’s famed Wedge surf break.

The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement through Thursday afternoon, with the largest waves expected Tuesday and Wednesday.

Orange County is taking the brunt of the swells, with surf forecast between 8 and 10 feet in some areas and up to 15 feet in others.

Early Tuesday, waves overtopped rock jetties at Newport Beach and Dana Point. Rough surf also pushed beneath piers in Huntington Beach and San Clemente.

At the Wedge, waves could reach 20 feet as incoming swells combine with reflected waves from a jetty, creating the break’s signature towering surf.

Officials warned of dangerous ocean conditions along the coast, and lifeguards are urging inexperienced swimmers to stay out of the water and stay sand-side.

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