Coast Guard calls off search for man swept into ocean; 5-year-old girl dies

U.S. Coast Guard crews on Sunday suspended their search for a 54-yearold man who was swept into the water off Martins Beach near Half Moon Bay on Saturday afternoon.

A 5-year-old girl, who was also swept out to sea Saturday, was rescued by San Mateo County Fire personnel. She was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead, the Coast Guard said in a news release.

The search for the man was called off after around 22 hours, during which crews searched roughly 100 square miles.

The pair were swept out to sea in the midst of rough waves along the coast. On Friday, the National Weather Service issued a Beach Hazard Statement, warning beach-goers of an increased likelihood of sneaker waves along the coastline, particularly on the Peninsula, through Sunday.

“Sneaker waves are potentially deadly waves that surge further up the beach than expected, overtaking the unaware,” according to the National Weather Service. “Beach goers can be swept into the ocean.”

The weather service warned that “inexperienced surfers and swimmers should avoid the water” while the Beach Hazard advisory was in effect. Those who visited the beach during that time were told to “keep pets on leash and keep kids close in sight,” adding that “unexpected waves may sweep people into the sea from rocks, jetties and beaches.”