A search-and-rescue operation off of the Laguna Beach coast for a missing girl was called off Wednesday night, June 10, shortly after sunset, with the girl not found.
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Lifeguards, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Harbor Patrol and the U.S. Coast Guard used rescue boats, personnel, dive teams, aerial resources and “other specialized search assets” in an attempt to locate the girl, who was swept into the ocean from Treasure Island Beach during a massive swell Tuesday evening, June 9, authorities said.
Authorities also launched drones to help in the search, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Chief Kai Bond said.
Authorities worked for 24 hours to try and find the girl and expanded their search along the coastline and offshore based on prevailing ocean conditions, currents, wave action and search assessments, officials said in a statement.
The girl was with her mother and a sibling walking along the sand at Treasure Island Beach when swept them into the ocean, Bond has said. Two bystanders attempted to pull the three family members out of the water, successfully getting two of them.
But the girl was not found and reported missing at about 7:30 p.m.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking incidents I have witnessed during my time serving this community,” Laguna Beach Mayor Mark Orgill said. “Our hearts go out to the young victim’s family, friends and all those affected by this tragic loss.”
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First responders dealt with hazardous ocean conditions, large surf, powerful currents and limited underwater visibility, officials said.
Beginning Thursday, June 11, officials were to transition their strategy to monitoring offshore and shoreline areas as part of their routine public-safety duties, officials said.
“Lifeguards and other public-safety partners will continue to remain vigilant while carrying out their normal operational duties,” they said.
The mother and sibling were hospitalized, and released by Wednesday, June 10, officials said. Two bystanders were also treated, but it was unclear if they were the ones who helped the mother and child to safety.
The family was visiting from outside the area, Bond said, and were at the north end of Treasure Island Beach, close to Table Rock Beach, an area known for strong rip currents.
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