Search Ends In Waters Near Redondo Beach After Boat Capsizes

REDONDO BEACH, CA — Los Angeles County lifeguards and U.S. Coast Guard officials Wednesday called off the search for a missing person who was in a small boat that capsized in the waters near the Redondo Beach Pier.

The missing person was last seen on a 10-foot dinghy near the pier and reported missing about 8:30 p.m. Monday, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department Lifeguard Division.

"Witnesses stated that the dinghy was capsized by a large set wave and washed underneath the pier," lifeguard officials said.

Lifeguards recovered the dinghy and started a land-based search with Redondo Beach police officers and firefighters until 11 p.m. Monday. Members of the Los Angeles County Fire Air Operations and U.S. Coast Guard Pacific Area conducted an aerial search.

By 8 a.m. Tuesday, crews returned to continue the search.

"Lifeguards conducted a tiered search of the area which included land & water based patrols, sub-surface searches conducted by divers, and sub-surface searches utilizing Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (UROV)," lifeguard officials said. "After extensive searching both last night and this morning, sub-surface and aerial searches were suspended. Lifeguards units will remain on scene patrolling the area."

An abrupt, strong wind hit the Southland Monday night, including wind gusts up to 25 to 40 mph, according to the National Weather Service. A high surf advisory was in effect until 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:21 a.m. Wednesday with additional information throughout.

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