Coast Guard suspends search for girl, 5, swept into Laguna Beach surf

The U.S. Coast Guard on Wednesday suspended its search for a 5-year-old girl swept into the ocean near Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach after bystanders rescued her mother and brother from the surf, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The case underscores the hazards posed by a powerful south swell that sent waves 5 to 8 feet high across most Orange County south-facing beaches and surpassed 20 feet at The Wedge in Newport Beach — with dangerous conditions expected to persist through Thursday.

The mother and her two children were caught in powerful water conditions near Treasure Island Beach on Tuesday night, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Bystanders pulled the mother and her son from the water before first responders arrived, but the 5-year-old girl could not be located.

The U.S. Coast Guard and Laguna Beach first responders immediately launched a multiagency search, working through the night and into the following day. By the time crews called off the effort at sunset Wednesday, searchers had canvassed roughly 90 square miles over more than 30 hours.

Captain Stacey Crecy, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said in a statement: "Our deepest condolences go out to the child's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. 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."

A strong south swell drove hazardous conditions along the Orange County coastline, with waves reaching 5 to 8 feet at most south-facing beaches, ABC7 Los Angeles reported. The Wedge in Newport Beach, known for its compressed and powerful break, recorded heights exceeding 20 feet.

Dangerous surf conditions are expected to persist along Orange County beaches through Thursday, officials said. Beachgoers are urged to heed posted warnings and avoid entering the water.