Earlier this morning, a local surfer from Encinitas made a grisly discovery while paddling out at Swami’s State Beach in San Diego. According to officials, at around 5:00 a.m on Friday morning, a surfer discovered the body of a fellow surfer, whose corpse was found tangled in kelp with a broken surfboard still attached to his ankle by his leg rope.
According to NBC 7, the surfer, whose name has not yet been released, was unable to be identified by several regulars at Swami’s because his face was swollen beyond recognition.
“It’s devastating—absolutely devastating,” local surfer Mike Tedesco told NBC 7. “My heart goes out to them and their family and their whole community. It’s unthinkable.”
Considering the body was discovered long before the sun rose, it’s likely the victim had been surfing late Thursday night, as many surfers choose to surf late to avoid crowds, especially during the near-full moon that was present around the time of the discovery.
Yesterday, a surfer was reported missing on the North Shore of Oahu after his girlfriend notified authorities he had not returned from his surf at Waimea Bay. His car was found parked with his dog still inside near Saints Peter and Paul Mission Church on Kamehameha Highway.
Although these incidences are tragic, they should serve as a reminder that you should never surf alone, regardless of how great the waves and conditions are. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of these men, as well as the entire communities of Encinitas and the North Shore.
According to officials, the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s office will determine the cause and manner of death, as well as the man’s identity at a later time. The investigation is ongoing. Check back for updates on this developing story.
