04-03-2025
Rogue 20-Foot Waves Sweep Man Out to Sea in NorCal (Video)
A series of hefty swells have been pummeling the California coast, particularly in the northern regions, as of late, resulting in advisories for dangerous ocean conditions, a couple moments at Maverick's, warnings from officials for civilians to stay away and, sadly, one death in Sonoma County.
'Sad recovery mission on the Sonoma coast Sunday morning,' reported local news. 'The Sherriff's Department locating the body of a man who was standing on shoreline rocks, when he got swept into the ocean by a crashing wave. It happened at Gerstle Cove campground near Fort Ross.'
See the news report below.
In a warning from the US National Weather Service for the Bay Area, they cautioned:
'High Surf Advisory for the North and West facing beaches in effect through 4 AM PST Wednesday. Breaking waves up to 20 to 25 feet bringing life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions due to the increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents. Beach Hazards Statement for the Northern Monterey Bay through 4 AM Wednesday. Breaking waves up to 15 feet expected bringing increased risk for sneaker waves and rip currents. High breaking waves can sweep people and debris off jetties and docks and into cold, dangerous seas with stronger currents than normal. Life-threatening swimming and surfing conditions expected. Never turn your back on the ocean!'Sadly, it's not the first time that we've seen sneaker waves sweep surf spectators out to sea in Northern California. It happened during the historic swell in late December of 2023 for folks on the shore viewing Maverick's; and again, just before that incident, a man and a young girl were caught by a sneaker wave at Martin's Beach. The man died, while the young girl was saved.
'Even at ankle level, it can sweep you out there,' said San Francisco Fire Department Captain Samuel Menchaca. 'Inexperienced swimmers, inexperienced surfers need to be very aware of these conditions, and it is our recommendation to stay out of the water at this time, and to come back when it's a little more calm.'
