“It’s devastating to think people enjoying all that the California coastline has to offer, encounter life-threatening ocean waves that are very unpredictable and put visitors in harms’ way.  Our first responders and search teams do their best to save lives and to recover those swept out to sea.   We are appreciative of their efforts and thank them for doing a job that can take a toll on their mental and emotional health.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

MONTEREY COUNTY – At around 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025, California State Parks notified the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office of a report of three people swept off the rocks into the ocean. This occurred at Soberanes Point within Garrapata State Park. Two women were able to self-rescue and were transported to a local hospital with unknown injuries. While a man remained missing.

A large-scale multi-agency response was initiated that included California State Parks, CalFire, CHP, Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and the US Coast Guard which provided assistance with a helicopter and ocean vessel. Incident Command was assumed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

At around 4:24 p.m., a US Coast Guard helicopter spotted what appeared to be a body in the ocean but due to the high surf, lost visual. They were unable to relocate the body. The missing male is described as being about 30 years old wearing a white turban, black shirt, black shorts and a black colored vest style jacket.

Search efforts continued through 7:00 p.m. Due to darkness and in consideration for the safety of first responders, search efforts were suspended. Search and recovery efforts resumed on Sunday morning.

This incident comes just a week after a 39-year-old father and his 7-year-old daughter, visiting from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, were swept into the ocean by 15-to-20-foot waves, at the same park. Both died as a result of this incident.