12 children rescued from Santa Cruz harbor after large waves capsize multiple sailboats

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - Twelve children were plucked from frigid waters outside the Santa Cruz harbor after the small sailboats they were in began to capsize in the high surf.

First responders from the Santa Cruz Fire Department and California State Parks were initially called shortly before 4:30 p.m. Sunday.

Santa Cruz Fire Department says approximately 4 to 5 small sailboats had overturned outside the harbor leaving 20 passengers in the water, including the 12 children.

Crews made a county-wide rescue swimmer response request, which quickly mobilized.

When firefighters arrived at the scene, seven of the 12 children had been accounted for, but 5 remained missing. 

Within 20 minutes, the remaining children and other passengers were all located. No one was injured.

A "small craft advisory" was issued by the National Weather Service due to large swells Sunday.