A surfer was pronounced dead after washing up with no heartbeat at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. Image: Pedro Bala
A surfer died on Friday afternoon after he was pulled from the ocean at San Francisco’s Ocean Beach. His identity has not been revealed as of the time of reporting.
“Ocean Beach 1 adult attached to a surfboard rescued CPR in progress on the beach AVOID AREA,” the San Francisco Fire Department wrote on Twitter at around 12:30 p.m.
Despite “extensive efforts made by multiple agencies,” the victim succumbed to his injuries later on that afternoon. “We are saddened to announce that despite all efforts made by community members (bystander CPR) and the rescue crews,” they wrote a few hours later, “that the victim has succumbed to his injuries. Our thoughts and support are with his family and friends.”
According to reports, the surfer washed up at the southern end of Ocean Beach, where the prevailing currents tend to push towards. After nearly half an hour of CPR, the man was rushed to the UCSF Medical Center at 1:08 p.m., where was listed in critical condition.
While there was no high surf advisory in effect, conditions at the notoriously dangerous break were hazardous. “If you’re a professional, seasoned surfer specific to Ocean Beach you know the dynamics that occur here,” said San Francisco Fire Department Lt. Jonathan Baxter. “But we’re pulling those surfers out of the water now, based on the conditions that we’re having.”
