The National Park Service, assisted by Southern Marin Fire, Marin Fire, and the US. Coast Guard are continuing the effort to find the missing surfer at Rodeo Beach.
Just after 5PM on January 20, a couple of people who were surfing with Dafoe observed him face down in the water. They attempted to bring him into shore and perform CPR, but they were hit by a large wave and lost contact with him. He was last seen in the water at the north end of the beach in surf estimated at 8 to 10 feet high with 15-second intervals.
The National Park Service working with Marin Fire and Southern Marin Fire first-responders including swimmers and small watercraft, along with the US Coast Guard search boat and helicopter scoured the water and shoreline last night until limited visibility and the hazardous conditions required them to suspend operations until daybreak today. The search resumed around 6:00AM with teams on the ground, in the water, and in the air.
During these unusual El Niño weather patterns even experienced surfers need to take extra precautions and stay alert to changing conditions. Do not go into the water alone, or have a spotter on land who is aware of where you are. With high surf and the fast wave intervals it is easy to get fatigued quicker than usual. Get out of the water before you feel too fatigued to fight the surf to get to shore. If you see someone in distress call 911 or Park Dispatch at 415-561-5656 as soon as possible. Do not go in the water to attempt a rescue without proper equipment and training. Water rescues are very difficult and dangerous to do, and many would-be rescuers have become casualties each year in the nation.
Photos are attached. Please credit Erica Defoe for the photos.
National Park Service is leading the investigation.
National Park Service contact: Public Affairs Specialist Alexandra Picavet at 415-786-8021 or apicavet@nps.gov.
Marin County Fire Department contact: Battalion Chief Bret McTigue at 415 717-1514
Marin County contact: Brent Ainsworth at 415-307-1443
