Coast Guard Suspends Search for Possible Missing Surfers Near Santa Cruz Lighthouse

Crews responded to reports of two surfers yelling for help about 200 yards offshore on Friday evening.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The search for two surfers who possibly went missing near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse was suspended by the United States Coast Guard on Saturday. Crews responded to reports of two surfers yelling for help about 200 yards offshore on Friday evening, but despite an extensive search over 90 miles and for a combined 10 1/2 hours, the two reported surfers were not found, and the search was suspended at 8 a.m.

Why it matters

The Santa Cruz Lighthouse area is a popular spot for surfers, but it can also be dangerous due to strong currents and cold water temperatures. The suspension of the search raises concerns about the fate of the two possible missing surfers and the challenges faced by rescue crews in such conditions.

The details

On Friday around 6:30 p.m., crews responded to reports of two surfers yelling for help about 200 yards offshore, near the Santa Cruz Lighthouse. A Coast Guard Cutter Alder crew also went to the area around 1 a.m. to help search. However, despite the extensive search efforts, the two reported surfers were not found, and the search was suspended at 8 a.m.

  • On Friday around 6:30 p.m., crews responded to reports of two surfers yelling for help.
  • A Coast Guard Cutter Alder crew went to the area around 1 a.m. to help search.
  • The search was suspended at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

The players

United States Coast Guard

The U.S. Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and marine safety agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security.

Santa Cruz Fire Department

The Santa Cruz Fire Department is the local fire department that assisted in the search for the possible missing surfers.

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What they’re saying

“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 4, search and rescue mission coordinator at Coast Guard Sector San Francisco (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The Santa Cruz Fire Department is asking anyone with information about the whereabouts of the possible missing surfers to contact the Coast Guard at 415-399-7399.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the dangers that surfers can face in the waters off the Santa Cruz coast, and the challenges that rescue crews encounter in searching for missing individuals in such conditions. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions and vigilance when engaging in water-based activities in this area.