Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Surfers Near Santa Cruz

Authorities were unable to locate two individuals reported missing off the coast on Friday evening.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard announced it had suspended its search for two missing surfers near Lighthouse Field State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched for over 10 hours but were unable to locate the individuals, who were reported missing on Friday evening. Authorities said the decision to suspend the search was based on a careful evaluation of all available information, including the extensive search efforts, environmental conditions, and survivability assessments.

Why it matters

The disappearance of the two surfers is a tragic incident that highlights the dangers of the ocean and the challenges faced by first responders in search and rescue operations. The suspension of the search raises concerns about the fate of the missing individuals and the need for continued vigilance and safety measures in coastal areas.

The details

According to the Coast Guard, a report was received on Friday evening about two surfers in distress yelling for help approximately 200 yards offshore near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse. The Coast Guard Station Monterey boat crew and Coast Guard Air Station San Francisco aircrew responded to the initial report, and the Coast Guard Cutter Alder crew later arrived on the scene to continue the search efforts. First responders from the Santa Cruz Fire Department, Santa Cruz Police Department, Santa Cruz Dispatch, and Civil Air Patrol also assisted in the search.

  • The initial report of the missing surfers was received on Friday evening.
  • The Coast Guard and partner agencies searched for over 10 hours before suspending the operation at around 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the country's seven uniformed services. It is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the U.S. military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency mission as part of its mission set.

Michael Zapawa

Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Michael Zapawa is the search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.

Santa Cruz Fire Department

The Santa Cruz Fire Department is the municipal fire department serving the city of Santa Cruz, California.

Santa Cruz Police Department

The Santa Cruz Police Department is the municipal law enforcement agency serving the city of Santa Cruz, California.

Civil Air Patrol

The Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally supported non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF).

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What they’re saying

“The decision to suspend a search weighs heavily on all crews involved. That decision is based on careful evaluation of all available information, including extensive search efforts, environmental conditions, and survivability assessments.”

— Michael Zapawa, Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco

What’s next

The Coast Guard is asking anyone with information regarding the possible missing surfers to contact the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco command center.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the inherent risks and dangers associated with ocean activities, and the critical role that first responders play in search and rescue operations. It also highlights the difficult decisions that must be made when search efforts prove unsuccessful, and the need for continued vigilance and safety measures to prevent such tragedies from occurring.