SAN MATEO – A young man who was apparently surfing near Montara State Beach died in the stormy waters Monday.
The body of a young man wearing a wet suit washed up on shore shortly after being spotted in the water by a witness at 3 p.m. Monday, according to Lt. Lisa Williams of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office.
Emergency medical aid was attempted but the unidentified man died at the scene. Police are investigating the death but said no foul play was suspected at this time.
"It appears to be a drowning and it appears to be someone who was in the surf, but we have to eliminate everything else as we go along," Lt. Steve Shively told the San Jose Mercury News. "It's better to be safe than sorry."
Police believe the man had been surfing although no surf board was found. A winter storm that battered California helped contribute to 10-to-12 foot waves at the beach Monday.
"It's really rough out there," said Paul Cole, a battalion chief from the Half Moon Bay Fire Department. "You get into trouble really quick."
