Full Breakdown
Search Expands for Missing Girl Swept into Ocean at Laguna Beach Amid Dangerous High Surf
6/11/2026, 6:58:15 AM
Missing Girl Swept into Ocean at Laguna Beach
On Tuesday, June 9, at about 7:30 p.m., a mother and her two children were walking on Treasure Island Beach when a large wave pulled them into the water. Bystanders rescued the mother and one child; the adolescent girl remains missing.
Hazardous Surf Conditions
A south-swell generated 5-to-8-foot waves along Southern California beaches, with 10-foot peaks in Orange County and up to 20-foot sets at Newport Beach’s “Wedge.” The National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazards Statement warning of strong rip currents and continued surf through Thursday.
Search Effort and Resources
Laguna Beach Marine Safety, led by Chief Kai Bond, teamed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard and lifeguards. The operation uses divers, rescue vessels, three helicopters, drones and 30 personnel for surface and underwater searches.
Timeline of the Incident
- June 9, 7:30 p.m.: 911 call; mother and son rescued.
- June 9 night: initial search at Treasure Island Beach.
- June 10, morning: search expanded to adjacent beaches and offshore zones using drift modeling.
- June 10-11: operations continued as surf stayed hazardous.
Official Statements
“The search was broadened ‘based on ocean conditions, currents, wave action and drift modeling,’ officials said. The National Weather Service warned surf and currents would stay dangerous through Thursday. Mayor Mark Orgill called it ‘a tragedy’ and urged the public to heed beach warnings.”
On-the-Ground Accounts
Witnesses called the wave “sudden” and “powerful.” One rescuer needed lifeguard help after being swept by 10-foot surf. Lifeguard chief Brian O’Rourke said towers stayed fully staffed and no serious injuries were reported among beachgoers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources disagree on the missing child’s age—some say a teenage girl, others a 5-year-old. Authorities have not disclosed her name. The mother’s and rescued son’s health is described only as “stable,” leaving their exact condition unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re expanding our search to include adjacent beaches and we’re using divers, rescue vessels and air resources to search the area but at this point we haven’t found her,” — Kai Bond, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief
- “A large wave came up and pulled them into the ocean,” — Kai Bond, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief
- “The ocean is dangerous — this is such a tragedy. Our hearts are literally hurting for this family.” — Kai Bond, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief
- “Not only can a wave break over rocks and drag you into the water, but it will also drag you out beyond the surf zone,” — Philip Gonsalves, National Weather Service meteorologist
Outlook
Search teams will keep using vessels, aircraft and drones through Thursday, adjusting tactics as drift models change. The National Weather Service expects surf to subside later in the week, but officials still advise the public to stay out of the water until conditions improve.
