Dramatic race against time to rescue group trapped in cave with rising water

A frantic coastal rescue mission unfolded after rising tides trapped a group of beachgoers inside a cave in Santa Cruz Sunday night.

A member of a large group trapped in a cave near Davenport texted 911 for help just before 8 p.m. as water was rising, according to CAL FIRE CZU. Several of those trapped could not swim, officials added.

CAL FIRE, Santa Cruz County Fire, the US Coast Guard, Santa Cruz City Fire with one lifeguard, Santa Cruz Harbor Patrol, and California State Parks lifeguards rushed to the dangerous scene.

Rescuers found the cave had only two treacherous escape routes, either through the water to reach a beach with bluff access, or onto a small pocket beach where the trail up to the bluffs was too steep.

Five of the people trapped who could swim waded out of the cave with help from lifeguards.

The remaining three stranded on the beach, who could not swim, were hoisted by the Coast Guard to a nearby bluff.

Among those rescued was a pregnant woman who suffered unknown injuries, reported KSBW.

The dramatic rescue prompted officials to warn coastal visitors about the dangers of changing tides.

“Always check local tide charts before heading out, as rising waters can rapidly trap you against coastal cliffs with no escape route,” CAL FIRE CZU said in a safety message.

“If you do become stranded by a high tide, move to the highest safe point and call 911 immediately—do not attempt to climb unstable cliffs or swim through heavy surf.”

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