Coast Guard Suspends Search for Missing Surfers Near Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Authorities were unable to locate the two individuals after an extensive search effort.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for two surfers who went missing in waters off Santa Cruz, California on Friday evening. The two individuals were reported in distress around 6:30 p.m. about 200 yards offshore from Lighthouse Point. After hours of unsuccessful searching by Coast Guard crews, the Santa Cruz Fire Department, and the Civil Air Patrol, the search was called off on Sunday morning with no sign of the surfers found.

Why it matters

Dangerous ocean conditions and the inability to locate the missing surfers despite an extensive search effort highlights the risks and challenges faced by first responders in these types of incidents. The suspension of the search also leaves the community with unanswered questions about the fate of the two individuals.

The details

Coast Guard crews aboard a 47-foot lifeboat from Monterey and a helicopter from San Francisco were initially dispatched to search the area on Friday evening. They were later relieved by a 225-foot Coast Guard cutter known as the Alder. In total, about 90 miles were searched over a 10-hour period, but no sign of the surfers was found. Water temperatures were around 54 degrees with swells of 7-9 feet.

  • The two surfers were reported in distress around 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • The initial search effort lasted until around 1 a.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The search was suspended at around 8 a.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2026.

The players

U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco

The local branch of the U.S. Coast Guard responsible for search and rescue operations in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Michael Zapawa

A search and rescue mission coordinator for the U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco.

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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, Search and Rescue Mission Coordinator (U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco)

What’s next

The U.S. Coast Guard Sector San Francisco has stated that the public can contact them at (415) 399-7399 for any further information or updates on the search efforts.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the inherent dangers of ocean activities and the difficult decisions faced by first responders when search and rescue efforts prove unsuccessful. It highlights the need for continued vigilance, safety precautions, and community support in addressing such emergencies.