UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, 11:17 a.m.: From the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Humboldt Bay:

The Coast Guard has suspended the search for the missing man who disappeared last night after attempting to rescue a dog from the surf near the mouth of Redwood Creek, Orick, CA.

Crews continued to search for the missing 20 year old male throughout the night and this morning, but after searching the 54 degree waters for over 17 hours, the search for the missing man has been suspended. In total, 112 square nautical miles were repeatedly searched by 30 Coast Guard personnel using aircraft and vessels without any sign of the man.

The lost man’s family was personally notified by the Commanding Officer of Sector Humboldt Bay immediately following the suspension of search efforts.

The Coast Guard urges all members of the public to exercise extreme vigilance when near the formidable waters of the Pacific Ocean and to keep a close eye on family members and pets.

UPDATE, WEDNESDAY, 10 a.m.: From the U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Humboldt Bay:

At 5:29pm last night Coast Guard Sector Humboldt Bay received a report of a man missing near Orick, CA at the mouth of Redwood Creek. Sector Humboldt Bay immediately launched the CG-47212, a 47 foot Motor Lifeboat from Station Humboldt Bay, and rescue helicopter 6606 from the Arcata Airport in McKinleyville, CA in an attempt to locate the man who had entered the ocean to rescue a dog and was swept away by surf.

The Coast Guard searched the surf zone and off-shore while members of the Humboldt County Sherriff’s search and rescue team, National Park Service, and Orick Volunteer Fire Department combed the beach and shoreline for the missing man. After two hours of intensive saturation of the area the Cutter Barracuda, an 87’ Predator Class patrol boat based in Eureka, CA, and a second helicopter was dispatched to bolster the search efforts which continued through the night.

As of this morning, both air and sea assets continue to search for the missing man. “Possible loss of life warrants maximum effort and the Coast Guard will make every effort to return him to his loved ones.” said Captain Art Snyder, the Commanding Officer of Sector Humboldt Bay.

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(AUDIO) Scanner Audio of Initial Call for Service

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office press release:

On 03/24/2015 at approximately 5:38 PM, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office (H.C.S.O.) was contacted by the United States Coast Guard (U.S.C.G.) requesting assistance with a search and rescue for a male subject that had entered the ocean at the mouth of Redwood Creek located at the end of Hufford Road in Orick. The male subject, age 20, was from out of the area traveling with friends. The subject entered the water at the mouth of Redwood Creek in an attempt to rescue a dog that was being pulled out into the ocean. Witnesses on scene soon lost sight of the male subject after he entered the water.

A search of the waters was conducted by U.S.C.G. helicopter and by U.S.C.G. marine vessel. Members of the H.C.S.O., California State Parks, CAL-Fire, and Orick Volunteer Fire searched the surrounding shoreline. The male subject is listed as missing at this time. The U.S.C.G. vessel will continue to search throughout the night. Members of H.C.S.O. Search and Rescue will continue the search at first light along with U.S.C.G. Helicopter.

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (707) 445-7251 or the Sheriff’s Office Crime Tip line at (707) 268-2539.