The search for the 5-year-old girl tragically swept away by a massive wave in Laguna Beach has been called off, the Coast Guard announced on Thursday.
The operation was suspended after search teams changed their mission from rescue to recovery on Wednesday, a day after the wave swept the the girl, her mother, and another child out to sea.
The horrifying incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach, where authorities say the woman and her two children were caught by dangerous water conditions near the shoreline.
According to Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill, the family was walking on the sand when a large wave surged and swept all three into the water.
Heroic bystanders rescued the mother and the other child, but the 5-year-old girl was lost in the rough surf. Two bystanders who assisted in rescuing the mother and boy were taken to a local hospital with unspecified injuries. Officials said both were in stable condition.
Rescuers used boats and air support across 30 hours, covering more than 90 square miles during the search effort. Search crews from Laguna Beach Marine Safety, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, and the United States Coast Guard had been combing the area for the girl.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said in a statement.
“Suspending a search is an extremely difficult decision. We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026. We worked hand-in-hand with first responders in Laguna Beach to carry out a coordinated and thorough search of the area,” Crecy added.
Mayor Orgill described it as “one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community.”
Hours before the incident, the City of Laguna Beach posted a warning on Instagram about the dangerous beach conditions.
“Strong rip currents can quickly pull swimmers away from shore, and large surf creates hazardous conditions for swimmers, surfers, and anyone near the water’s edge,” the city said.