In what could have been a tragic accident resulting in loss of life, a boater entered into the lineup at Steamer Lane today during a big swell event and capsized with his family aboard after nearly running over several surfers.
A total of six people entered the water, supposedly family members who capsized after mistakenly entering the lineup while a big set was rolling through Middle Peak. As the story is unfolding, these details have been gathered off Instagram and we’ll keep updating as official details emerge.
According to reports, all six were rescued with the help of nearby surfers and transferred into rescue boats to be transported to the nearby harbor and into awaiting ambulances. One comment from @rubboldc says, “A dad boating his kids were trying to get back into the bay. He didn’t realize he was between the slot and middle peak, then panicked when he realized where he was, gunned it to try and get through, sent it straight into the lineup.”
Apparently there were four children aged 4 through 10 years old, thankfully wearing life jackets, who all survived the harrowing accident and the ensuing thrashing in wild surf thanks to the help of several surfers. To be that young and experience capsizing amongst powerful surf in freezing water would be beyond traumatizing. Thank God they are alive.
The speeding boat could have killed anyone upon impact and narrowly missed several people before capsizing. The debris was then scattered amongst the lineup, it is unknown whether alcohol was involved but reports say there were beer cans along with the debris.
Santa Cruz was under a high surf advisory along with much of the Pacific Coast. Waves at the lane were solid 6-8 foot or more from a powerful West swell that had even turned on big wave spots like nearby Maverick’s.
Related: Coast Guard Calls Off Search For Missing Surfers in Santa Cruz
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