The body of a girl who was swept into the ocean with her family in Laguna Beach has been recovered. The girl’s body was spotted during an aerial coastline survey about 1:30 p.m. Thursday near Christmas Cove, approximately a quarter-mile from where she was initially lost at Treasure Island Beach. Laguna Beach Marine Safety, along with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, responded to the scene, and she was identified as the missing victim by the Orange County coroner’s office. Her family has been notified.
The girl went missing near Treasure Island Beach on Tuesday night when she, her mother, and brother were pulled into the ocean. The incident sparked a frantic and widespread 24-hour search involving crews from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Laguna Beach Marine Safety Department. Search efforts were called off Wednesday night due to challenging ocean conditions, including large surf, powerful currents, and limited underwater visibility.
Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill issued a statement expressing sympathy for the girl’s family. “This is one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community,” Orgill said. “Our hearts go out to the young victim’s family, friends, and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
A surf advisory for the area was set to expire Thursday, but experts warn that risks remain. “We still have big surf in Southern California, and especially in Newport Beach. It’s down a bit from yesterday, but we can expect big surf through today and actually through the weekend,” said an expert.
The incident occurred at Treasure Island Beach, known for its powerful surf conditions and numerous rip currents, particularly at the north and south ends. Two bystanders rescued the mother and one child, and the bystanders were treated and released from a local hospital.