Santa Cruz West Cliff Drive, California: Video shows family of six rescued after boat flips in heavy surf

Dramatic footage has emerged of the moment a family of six was thrown into chaos after their boat was overturned by powerful surf off the California coast.

The incident unfolded near Santa Cruz’s West Cliff Drive, where stunned bystanders watched as the vessel sped towards shore before suddenly veering into heavy oncoming waves.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the family struggled in the rough surf.

The boat appeared to lose control as it struck the swell, before being engulfed and flipped over, sending all passengers, including two adults and four children, into the water.

According to the New York Post, a group of nearby surfers quickly sprang into action. Among them was three-time Mavericks competition winner and big wave surfer Darryl “Flea” Virostko, who recounted the moment on Instagram.

“Crazy little situation yesterday. I saw the boat coming as I was outside dodging a big middle peak set,” Mr Virostko wrote.

“He zoomed by me, and I saw he had his family on the boat. As I watched him drive straight into a big white wash, I knew they went down, and it was time to paddle in as quickly as possible to help save the family.

“Unbelievable, these small children made it out of this boat wreck,” he added, pointing out that his buddy Trike also rushed in to help.

It later emerged that the parents were not wearing life jackets, complicating the rescue effort as waves repeatedly pulled them under.

Mr Virostko said the father was panicked in the water.

“The dad was freaking out asking about all the kids and there was a language barrier, so it was hard to understand. We got there were four kids, so we started yelling around the lineup. All kids got saved.”

Mr Virostko concluded his post by reflecting on how it felt good to “have a surfing community go into action together as one team.”

Authorities later confirmed that multiple surfers, including some as young as 14, helped bring the family safely back to shore. The group has been recognised for their role in preventing what could have been a far more tragic outcome.

The family was transported to the hospital for medical treatment.

In a statement, the Santa Cruz Fire Department confirmed it responded to a “Confirmed Water Rescue” at the scene.

“Due to the rapid deployment of Santa Cruz Fire Marine Rescue Swimmers, City Lifeguards, State Parks, and several Good Samaritan citizens on surfboards, all 6 victims were successfully rescued from this potentially tragic incident,” the department said.