Family of Six Rescued After Boat Capsizes in Massive Waves

Surfers, including a big wave champion, rushed to save the family near Santa Cruz's West Cliff Drive.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A family of six, including four children, were violently thrown out of their boat after it was engulfed by massive waves near Santa Cruz, California. Dramatic video captured the boat veering into the waves and flipping over, sending the family into the water. A group of surfers, including three-time Mavericks competition winner Darryl 'Flea' Virostko, quickly paddled over to rescue the family.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the dangers of boating in rough ocean conditions and the importance of wearing life jackets. It also showcases the heroic actions of the local surfing community, who came together to save the family and prevent a potential tragedy.

The details

The boat was moving toward the shore when it suddenly veered right into the direction of the massive waves. While it stayed upright at first, the boat quickly became engulfed, flipping over and sending the family into the water. The surfers, including Virostko and his friend Trike, rushed to the family's aid, as the parents were not wearing life jackets and the children were struggling in the waves.

  • The incident occurred on February 13, 2026 near Santa Cruz's West Cliff Drive.

The players

Darryl 'Flea' Virostko

A three-time Mavericks competition winner and big wave surfer who was one of the surfers who rushed to rescue the family.

Trike

A friend of Virostko's who also rushed to help rescue the family.

Santa Cruz Fire Department

The department responded to the water rescue and coordinated with other agencies and good samaritans to successfully rescue all six victims.

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What they’re saying

“Crazy little situation yesterday. I saw the boat coming as I was outside dodging a big middle peak set. He zoomed by me, and I saw he had his family on the boat. As I watched him drive straight into a big white wash, I knew they went down, and it was time to paddle in as quickly as possible to help save the family.”

— Darryl 'Flea' Virostko, Big Wave Surfer (Instagram)

“Unbelievable, these small children made it out of this boat wreck.”

— Darryl 'Flea' Virostko, Big Wave Surfer (Instagram)

What’s next

The Santa Cruz Fire Department is investigating the incident to determine the exact cause and whether any safety protocols were not followed.

The takeaway

This dramatic rescue highlights the importance of boating safety, wearing life jackets, and the value of having a strong, community-minded surfing culture that is willing to spring into action to save lives in dangerous situations.