Body of missing girl recovered in Laguna Beach after she was swept into ocean with mother, brother

LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. -- The body of the 5-year-old girl who was swept away into the ocean in Laguna Beach has been recovered, authorities said Thursday afternoon.

This is a breaking news update. Our previous reporting is below.

The search for a 5-year-old girl who was swept away into the ocean in Laguna Beach has officially been suspended, the U.S. Coast Guard announced overnight.

Crews responded to reports of a missing swimmer near Treasure Island Beach Tuesday night. Officials said a mother and her two children were swept into the ocean by powerful water conditions near the shoreline.

Bystanders jumped into action and managed to rescue the mother and the girl's brother from the water.

Several agencies joined the effort to find the girl. But after searching for more than 30 hours over 90 square miles, they were unable to find girl.

Officials initially said it was a missing teen, but later said it was a 5-year-old girl.

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"Our deepest condolences go out to the child's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," said Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach in a statement. "Suspending a search is an extremely difficult decision. We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026. We worked hand-in-hand with first responders in Laguna Beach to carry out a coordinated and thorough search of the area."

Officials urged the general public to think twice before getting into the water as a powerful swell creates dangerous conditions along Southern California's coastal areas. If you are not an expert swimmer, lifeguards say you should stay out of the water and stay safe on the sand.

Many of the region's south-facing beaches saw very large waves, most around 5 to 8 feet high, but some areas saw more intense conditions. At The Wedge in Newport Beach, the powerful south swell delivered historic sets on Tuesday with waves peaking at over 20 feet.

The hazardous conditions haven't let up, threatening to pull people into deep water within seconds. Those conditions are expected to last through Thursday.