Sneakerwave — Northern Monterey Bay, California

2025-01-19 · Northern Monterey Bay, California

Event narrative

A father and son from San Jose perished at Cowell Ranch State Beach after the son was swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave. State park lifeguards and rangers responded to the water rescue and pulled the two into a Harbor Patrol vessel. The two were taken to Stanford Medical Center, where they died.

Wider weather episode

A father and son from San Jose perished at Cowell Ranch State Beach near Half Moon Bay after the son was swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave. State park lifeguards and rangers responded to the water rescue and pulled the two into a Harbor Patrol vessel. The two were taken to Stanford Medical Center, where they died. A Beach Hazards Statement was in effect due to an increased risk of sneaker waves and rip currents, especially along west-facing beaches. At the time of the incident, Saildrone 1801593 (at the approximate site of the former buoy 46012 near Half Moon Bay) reported a significant wave height of 6.9 feet and a dominant period of 18 seconds.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1229362. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.