Crews search for missing swimmer off Redondo Beach

Crews were scouring the waters off the coast of Redondo Beach in search of a 21-year-old South Bay man who went missing early Saturday.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department received a call at 3:57 a.m. of a missing swimmer near the Knob Hill lifeguard tower, said dispatch supervisor Art Marrujo.

The swimmer, whose name was not released, was in the water about chest deep with two to four people when he disappeared, fire battalion Chief Rob Rappaport said at a news conference.

His friends said the man was wearing maroon shorts, according to authorities. It’s unclear if alcohol was involved.

“It’s not typically safe that time of the morning,” said lifeguard Capt. Christine Linkletter. “Usually we do not recommend swimming in the dark.”

Dozens of searchers, including divers and some in boats and helicopters, have been combing the coastline, where the surf is higher than normal due to Hurricane Norbert. Norbert-generated swells were forecast to produce waves of 4 to 7 feet along south-facing beaches, with maximum sets of 10 feet, according to the National Weather Service. Linkletter said there were also rip currents and strong current near the shore.

Six hours into the search, friends and family members of the missing man gathered on the beach as lifeguards dived under the surf and then reemerged. Linkletter said crews were concentrating most of their efforts in waters that are five to 15 feet deep.

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