Search Suspended For Man Who Jumped From Cliff Near Lighthouse Point State Beach

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA – Rescuers were unable to find a man who jumped off of a cliff near Lighthouse Point State Beach in Santa Cruz and may have drowned in the waters Saturday afternoon, a fire official said today.

Fire crews responded to a report of a water rescue called for at the beach around 3 p.m., Santa Cruz Fire Battalion Chief Josh Coleman said.

Preliminary reports indicated the rescue was needed near Pelton Avenue and the area of Steamer Lane, a popular surfing destination, but crews quickly learned the cliff was about a quarter-mile away near Seal Rock,
Coleman said.

Arriving crews spoke with bystanders and friends of a man who jumped from a cliff and into a section of the water nicknamed "toilet bowl," where the water is known to be erratic, according to Coleman.

Many signs are posted in the area near the toilet bowl that warns people of the dangers in jumping off cliffs, he said.

Witnesses reported the man was screaming for help as the water conditions quickly degraded, Coleman said.
Crews looked for the victim by sending out rescue swimmers, who were later called back to shore because of worsening ocean conditions, Coleman said.

The department also received additional help from marine division staff on jet skis that helped harbor patrol personnel search by traveling along the water current, surf line and nearby coves, Coleman said.

The U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in the effort by deploying teams by boat and helicopter until sunset, he said.

In all, about 20 people from six agencies looked for the man until about 9 p.m., when the search suspended due to darkness and poor visibility, according to Coleman.

Lifeguards monitored the cliffs and pocket coves on Sunday but were unable to find any signs of the missing man, Coleman said.

As of this afternoon, there was no indication that search efforts would resume, he said.

Authorities are working to notify the family of the missing man of his unknown status, according to Coleman.

The public is advised to exercise caution while visiting areas close to the ocean where the conditions are often unpredictable, and to follow posted warning signs, Coleman said.

• Also see: Peninsula Man Killed In Coastal Diving Accident

--Bay City News/File photo