Four rescued from sinking yacht off Laguna Beach

Boat struck submerged rock, sank overnight before being recovered

Feb. 2, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Four people were rescued from a sinking sailboat off the coast of Laguna Beach, California on Sunday after the vessel struck a submerged rock structure. The boat, named "Esprit de l'Eau", sank overnight but was later recovered and towed back to Newport Harbor by a towing service.

Why it matters

Boating accidents and rescues are not uncommon along the California coast, especially in popular sailing and recreation areas like Laguna Beach. This incident highlights the importance of maritime safety and the role of first responders in quickly responding to emergencies at sea.

The details

The collision occurred shortly before 4 pm on Sunday, a few hundred yards offshore from Laguna Beach's Heisler Park area. A Laguna Beach Marine Safety rescue boat was able to quickly respond and rescue all four occupants of the sinking sailboat. The boat sustained enough damage that it submerged overnight, prompting the Coast Guard and California Department of Fish and Wildlife to deploy a boom to contain any potential leakage. The boat was later recovered and towed back to Newport Harbor.

  • The collision occurred shortly before 4 pm on Sunday, February 2, 2026.
  • The boat sank overnight and was recovered on Monday, February 3, 2026.

The players

Dane Doran

Laguna Beach Marine Safety Captain who provided details about the incident.

Esprit de l'Eau

The name of the sinking sailboat involved in the incident.

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What they’re saying

“Our lifeguard rescue vessel, Wave Watch, rescued all four people on the boat.”

— Dane Doran, Laguna Beach Marine Safety Captain

What’s next

The boat has been recovered and towed back to Newport Harbor. Authorities will likely investigate the cause of the collision and assess any environmental impact from the sinking.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maritime safety and the need for quick emergency response capabilities along the California coast, where boating accidents can occur even in relatively calm conditions.