Swimmer missing in Laguna Beach as massive swell brings dangerous surf to SoCal
LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (KABC) -- An urgent search is underway for a missing swimmer in Laguna Beach as a powerful swell creates dangerous conditions in Orange County and other Southern California coastal areas.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department confirmed it assisted in the search for the swimmer after the initial call came in around 8 p.m. Tuesday. Laguna Beach police said Wednesday morning that the individual was still missing.
Video posted to social media shows the search underway near Treasure Island Beach, with first responders and boats in the water and helicopters circling overhead.
Details about the person who went missing in the water were not available.
Massive swell brings historic waves
Many of the region's south-facing beaches are expected to have 5-to 8-foot waves, with high sets on tap at spots like Newport Beach's The Wedge, the world-famous surf break located at the southernmost tip of the Balboa Peninsula.
At The Wedge, the powerful south swell delivered historic sets on Tuesday with waves peaking at over 20 feet.
Meanwhile, video out of Malibu shows powerful waves crashing along the sand overnight. If you are not an expert swimmer, lifeguards say you should stay out of the water and enjoy the show from the safety of the sand.
DEVELOPING: We will add more details to this report as they become available.
