Bengaluru, February 15: A terrifying afternoon off the coast of Santa Cruz turned into a story of courage and community on February 7 when six people were rescued after a small boat capsized near the iconic Santa Cruz Lighthouse.

According to the United States Coast Guard, the agency received a call from the Santa Cruz Police Department around noon reporting that a vessel had overturned, leaving multiple people stranded in the water.

The Coast Guard quickly deployed a helicopter and response boat to assist local fire crews and harbor patrol officers. But before authorities could reach the scene, local surfers had already sprung into action. California Shocker: School Teacher Offers Money in Exchange for S*x to 13-Year-Old Boy, Arrested.

Boat Capsizes Near Santa Cruz Lighthouse, Surfers Rescue Family of 6

Among them was Darryl “Flea” Virostko, a three time champion at Mavericks Surf Competition. Virostko described spotting the boat heading straight into heavy white water before it flipped. Realizing the danger, he and other surfers paddled toward the struggling family without hesitation. Saketh Sreenivasaiah Missing in Berkeley: Consulate General of India Expresses Deep Concern Over Disappearance of Indian Student at University of California.

By the time first responders arrived, all six passengers, two adults and four children, had been pulled from the ocean. Surfers used their boards to help stabilize and support the victims in the rough surf.

Video footage shared by local journalist Tony Felix showed surfers lifting a child onto a board amid crashing waves, capturing the heart stopping rescue from their perspective.

The incident has since gone viral, highlighting how Santa Cruz’s tight knit surf community united as one team to save lives.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 15, 2026 07:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).