UPDATE: A man tragically drowned while fishing at Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County on November 29, 2023, according to local officials. This incident underscores the dangers posed by recent hazardous beach conditions.
Emergency crews were dispatched to the beach around 3 p.m. after receiving reports of a person in distress in the water. Witnesses stated that a woman and her husband were fishing when he suddenly disappeared. The woman left briefly to retrieve an item from their car. Upon her return, her husband was nowhere to be found.
A bystander quickly spotted the man and alerted emergency responders. Firefighters from the Cal Fire San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit successfully retrieved him from the water and administered CPR; however, he was pronounced dead at the scene. This heartbreaking incident marks the fourth drowning off the California coast in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, Amanpreet Thind, a 35-year-old U.S. Army specialist from New Jersey, was swept into the ocean at Soberanes Point in Garrapata State Park on November 22. Additionally, Yuji Hu, aged 39, from Calgary, Alberta, and his 7-year-old daughter lost their lives in turbulent waters near Garrapata State Beach just a week prior.
The National Weather Service has issued a “beach hazards” warning for San Mateo County, forecasting breaking waves to reach a dangerous 10 to 14 feet. Officials urge beachgoers to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant as conditions worsen.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of coastal activities, especially during hazardous weather. Emergency officials are continuing their efforts to raise awareness regarding beach safety in the wake of these recent tragedies.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
