High Surf — Northern Humboldt Coast, California

2020-12-07 · Northern Humboldt Coast, California

Event narrative

On Dec. 7, 2020, at about 12 p.m., Humboldt County Sheriff's Special Services deputies were dispatched to the North Jetty of Humboldt Bay for the report of a female victim who had been swept into the ocean. Deputies arrived on scene and learned that the 67 year-old victim of Salt Lake City, Utah, had been visiting the area and had come to the beach with her adult son to watch the waves. The two reportedly walked out to the end of the North Jetty wall and while there, a large wave suddenly swept over the wall. Both individuals were knocked off their feet by the surge. The male victim was able to hold onto the jetty rocks, however Malouf was swept out to sea. The United States Coast Guard, Samoa Peninsula Fire District and Humboldt Bay Fire assisted in the search for Malouf utilizing ground crews, rescue boats and a helicopter. The female victim was transported via helicopter to a local hospital where she was pronounced deceased. Buoy # 22 located 17NM WSW of Eureka, CA: 10:00 to 11:00 AM waves were 10.5 feet at 21 seconds; 12:00 PM waves were 12.8 feet at 21 seconds; 1:00 PM waves were 14.1 feet at 21 seconds. Sea surface water temperature ranged from 50 to 52 degrees Fahrenheit from 10AM to 1 PM, Monday December 7th.

Wider weather episode

A large long-period westerly swell produced high seas across the coastal waters as well as high surf along area beaches. Several beach-goers were swept into the ocean, including a 67 year old woman who was pulled out to sea and died.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 923945. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.