Search Resumes for Unconscious Surfer Lost in Marin Headlands

Search and rescue officials were slated to resume efforts Thursday to locate a male surfer who was last seen unconscious in rough waters of Rodeo Beach in the Marin Headlands on Wednesday.

According to county officials, the search was postponed late Wednesday due to “hazardous conditions and darkness.” Plans were made to resume searching at daylight.

The search was first initiated around 5:28 p.m. Wednesday, and the Marin County Fire Department was called out along with National Park Service rangers, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Southern Marin Fire Department, according to according to county officials. It was suspended at 7:09 p.m.

“The search was suspended because of limited visibility and the hazardous conditions,” according to MCFD Battalion Chief Bret McTigue. “The helicopter was being used to provide light, but we couldn’t risk keeping our resources out there in those conditions. We will resume the search at sunlight through water, ground and air.”

The unidentified surfer, a man estimated to be in his late 40s, was first found face-down and unconscious at the North end of Rodeo Beach. Officials say that two Good Samaritans tried to bring him through the 10 foot high surf, but were unsuccessful.

“Before reaching the beach, all three were slammed by a large wave and the Good Samaritans lost contact with the injured man,” the county said. “He was last seen in the water near a cave at the north end of the beach.”

First-responders arrived, including two swimmers from Southern Marin Fire. Two firefighters used rescue personal watercraft, and the Coast Guard contributed motor lifeboat and a helicopter.