An 11-year-old girl was saved by the Coast Guard in Humboldt County, California after she was swept out into deep waters and was in distress.
LOS ANGELES — A 5-year-old girl who was swept away into the ocean near Laguna Beach on Tuesday has died.
Officials said a mother and her two children were carried into the ocean by a powerful wave and rough surf near the shoreline.
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With the help of bystanders on scene, the mother and one child were rescued and safely brought back to shore.
Laguna Beach, CA – June 9, 2026: Laguna Beach lifeguards search the beach below the Montage Resort where a girl was swept off the rocks by big waves on Tuesday in Laguna Beach, CA on June 9, 2026.
(Don Leach / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
According to our local affiliate, FOX 11, high surf reaching up to 9 feet prevented them from reaching the second child.
Searches for the missing 5-year-old began promptly after. Search efforts were suspended on Thursday.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department later confirmed they found 5-year-old Amada Mia Brown’s body.
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“Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel responded immediately and initiated a search in the area of the victim’s last known location,” the City of Laguna Beach said.
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Laguna Beach, CA – June 9, 2026: Laguna Beach lifeguards search the beach below the Montage Resort where a girl was swept off the rocks by big waves on Tuesday in Laguna Beach, CA on June 9, 2026.
(Don Leach / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Laguna Beach, CA – June 9, 2026: Laguna Beach lifeguards search the beach below the Montage Resort where a girl was swept off the rocks by big waves on Tuesday in Laguna Beach, CA on June 9, 2026.
(Don Leach / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) -
Laguna Beach, CA – June 9, 2026: Laguna Beach lifeguards search the beach below the Montage Resort where a girl was swept off the rocks by big waves on Tuesday in Laguna Beach, CA on June 9, 2026.
(Don Leach / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
According to the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach watch standers received a call around 8 p.m. local time from the Laguna Beach Fire Department dispatch reporting that a child had been struck by a wave and swept out into rough surf.
Search underway for young girl swept into big surf off Laguna- Beach Laguna Beach, CA – June 10: A Laguna Beach Park Ranger scans the horizon on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, near where a child was swept out to sea yesterday.
(Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
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The dangerous water conditions are being driven by a southern swell, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
This has triggered high surf events affecting both Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning after they said they responded to an increased number of water rescues over the past few weeks.
Search underway for young girl swept into big surf off Laguna- Beach Laguna Beach, CA – June 10: A Laguna Beach Park Ranger scans the horizon on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, near where a child was swept out to sea yesterday.
(Mindy Schauer/MediaNewsGroup/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
Responding crews searched for more than 30 hours and covered over 90 square miles.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said.
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He emphasized that suspending a search is always a very difficult decision to make.
“We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026,” Crecy said.
The NWS is warning people to be cautious, especially at south-facing beaches, as rough surf is expected through Thursday.
