High Surf — San Diego County Coastal Areas, California

2009-11-28 to 2009-11-29 · San Diego County Coastal Areas, California

Event narrative

A 25 foot fishing boat capsized around 0800 PST when returning to the San Diego Bay. Six people were on board and became trapped in the cabin. They managed to open the door and escape from the boat and were promptly rescued by the lifeguards. All six were admitted to the hospital, five of which were treated and released. The sixth person was kept and monitored overnight. A lifeguard boat flipped two hours later when trying to upright the overturned fishing boat. The two lifeguards on board were not injured.

Wider weather episode

A large, long period west swell reached the beaches of Southern California early on the 28th. Waves of 7 to 9 feet with some sets as high as 12 feet were reported. The swell and surf quickly subsided overnight. Two boats were capsized in the high surf, trapping 6 people. Only minor injuries were reported.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 201050. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.