SANTA CRUZ – Trapped against the rocky cliff and pounded by waves, a surfer was reportedly rescued from steamer lane Monday morning by a fellow surfer.
Authorities responded to an ocean rescue call to the area of West Cliff Drive near the Lighthouse about 10:30 a.m. Monday morning.
According to a bystander, Stu Chambers, the rescued man had asked the best way to traverse the rocks at the bottom of the stairs to Steamer Lane. That was when he began to worry, Chambers said.
He said he watched as the man first lost his board before becoming trapped in an alcove against the rocks where he was pounded by waves.
Luckily, another surfer was able to swim in and help the endangered man climb back onto the rocks, Chambers said.
Two fire engines, an ambulance and other emergency vehicles responded as well as rescuers in wet suits.
“He took a little bit of a beating, but luckily by the time we got here, he was already on to the rocks,” said Brandon Yamasaki, marine safety captain for the Santa Cruz Fire Department.
The fire department is staffing extra lifeguards, including one on a jet ski, at surf breaks along West Cliff Drive this week, due to the high surf advisory, Yamasaki said.
Beginners should not surf this week, he said, due to the large waves.
A National Weather Service High Surf Advisory for the Santa Cruz coastline remains in effect until 4 p.m. Tuesday, with swells expected up to 15 feet and occasional breakers reaching up to 20 feet.
