Tourist Lost in Rough Surf; Foul Weather Halts Search

Foul weather forced rescuers to abandon their search for a 25-year-old tourist who disappeared Saturday while swimming in rough surf off San Clemente.

The man was with friends at Calafia Beach County Park about 3 p.m. when he dived into the storm-stirred waves, Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Scott Brown said. He did not know the man’s identity or where he’s from.

When the current and pounding surf proved to be too much, lifeguards were called to help one of his friends who also was in the water, authorities said. He required no medical attention, but told rescuers that his friend never came out of the water, thus setting off a three-hour search.

“People get lured into this surf, but they don’t think about the dangers,” Brown said. “If you’re not familiar with those conditions, you have no business going out there.”

Searchers from the state lifeguard station at Calafia Beach, the Fire Authority, the sheriff’s Harbor Patrol, the Coast Guard and the civilian fire station at Camp Pendleton scoured the shoreline and the water as far as 300 yards off the beach, Brown said.

“Unfortunately we were unable to locate anybody,” he said. “There was nothing more we could do.”

Most of the search units withdrew at nightfall, but a Coast Guard helicopter remained until rain and wind forced it back to its base about 6:20 p.m., Chief Petty Officer John Howk said. In fact, the weather was so bad all day, a Fire Authority helicopter heading to the search area from Fullerton Airport had to turn back, Brown said.

Authorities were trying to determine late Saturday if they would resume the search that night or this morning.

“I would highly discourage anyone from going into the ocean when conditions are like they have been the last couple of weeks,” Brown said. “It’s extremely dangerous. When you combine that with somebody who isn’t familiar with the area, it’s a recipe for tragedy.”