Rip Current — Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

2023-01-28 · Southern Monterey Bay and Big Sur Coast, California

Event narrative

Search and Rescue team were unable to locate the diver who was swept out to sea by a rip current. Point Sur Buoy (Station 46239) measured average seas between 8 and 9 feet that day. Nearby Cabrillo Point buoy (Station 46240) in Monterey Bay, measured average seas 3 to 4 feet. Winds were not measured by the buoys, but the official forecast for the coastal zone from Point Pinos to Point Piedras Blancas called for NW winds 10-20 kt, with gusts up to 30 kt.

Wider weather episode

Four divers off Fanshell Beach in the Pebble Beach area were dragged out to sea by a rip current. Three of the divers were able to return to shore safely, but the other perished in the water.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1068306. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.