Dangerous waves and strong winds are ravaging Southern California’s coastline, and authorities have called off the search for two men washed ashore by a capsized boat along the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
The men went fishing Monday afternoon in a small boat from San Pedro, a Coast Guard spokesman said.
At the time, forecasters had issued a small craft advisory, warning boaters in Los Angeles County could see waves up to 10 feet high.
When the men did not return, they were reported missing around 5 a.m. Tuesday.
About 30 minutes later, the capsized boat was discovered by a passerby along the rocky shores of Palos Verdes Estates, a Coast Guard spokeswoman said. However, the men were not on board.
The Coast Guard and multiple law enforcement agencies searched rough waters using rescue boats, drones and helicopters, but had not found the men by Wednesday afternoon.
After more than 30 hours without a distress signal, the Coast Guard announced it had suspended the search.
The boaters’ disappearance comes during a week when the historic Santa Cruz Pier was damaged by heavy waves and a man died after being caught in debris from high waves in Monterey Bay.
Meteorologists said surf heights could be 5 to 10 feet on Christmas Day in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Further north, waves of up to 15 feet are expected to continue throughout the week in San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
