Home / Disasters and Accidents / Newport Beach Swimmer Vanishes Amidst Ocean Warnings
Newport Beach Swimmer Vanishes Amidst Ocean Warnings
30 Jun
Summary
- A 47-year-old swimmer, Wesley MacFarland, was reported missing.
- The USCG is assisting in the search near Newport Harbor.
- This follows a month of ocean warnings and rescues in Southern California.
As of June 30, 2026, a search is underway for Wesley MacFarland, a 47-year-old swimmer reported missing off the coast of Newport Beach. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) was alerted to his disappearance near Newport Harbor around 7:45 a.m. on Monday and is now assisting partner agencies in the search.
The disappearance of MacFarland comes as a grim reminder of the dangers present at Southern California beaches. In early June, a mother and her two children were swept into the ocean in Laguna Beach. While the mother and her seven-year-old son were rescued, her five-year-old child tragically died.
Throughout June, Southern California beaches have faced ocean warnings. The city of Newport Beach issued advisories for high king tides expected from Saturday, June 13, to Tuesday, June 16, cautioning about potential localized flooding. In San Diego, lifeguards reported conducting over 385 rescues in approximately one week during the month.
