A 25-year-old man identified as Alberto Hernandez of Marina died after he was found floating in the water near rocks in the area of China Vista Point along the Big Sur coastline.
At about 1pm on Saturday, May 16, first responders from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office along with personnel from Cal Fire and State Parks responded after a tourist reported observing a male floating in the ocean near the shoreline rocks.
Lifeguards and emergency responders were able to recover the man from the water and bring him to shore. Despite lifesaving efforts, Hernandez was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to family and friends of Hernandez, he was reported to be fishing off the rocks in the area where he was found.
A beach hazards statement issued by the National Weather Service was in effect before the weekend for Monterey Bay and the Big Sur coast, warning of extremely strong northerly winds and rough ocean conditions creating hazardous coastal conditions.
Community members and visitors are strongly urged to stay away from the water’s edge, rocks and coastal cliffs during dangerous surf conditions, as large waves and sneaker waves can unexpectedly surge onto shore with tremendous force.