Search suspended for missing fisherman near Muir Beach
Photos of Jose Padilla courtesy his family.
MARIN COUNTY, Calif. - The U.S. Coast Guard suspended their search on Tuesday for a missing fisherman, who was swept away into the ocean near the Muir Beach overlook one day earlier.
Jose Padilla, 28, of San Francisco, and his two cousins were fishing on the rocks when a wave crashed onto the shore sweeping them away, causing a rescue effort for all three men. Two men were saved by a California Highway Patrol helicopter, but Jose never made it back.
Marlin Padilla said he tried to save his cousin, but that the waves were too strong, and he had to save himself from drowning.
Search suspended for missing fisherman near Muir Beach
The U.S. Coast Guard suspended their search on Tuesday for a missing fisherman, who was swept away into the ocean near the Muir Beach overlook one day earlier. Family and friends have gathered and have been sharing their memories of Jose Padilla, 28, of San Francisco. They hope to recover his remains to send back to family in Honduras.
The Coast Guard said they sent a helicopter out at 7 a.m. It searched for an hour and 20 minutes before their search effort was suspended. Coast Guard officials said South Marin Fire District did an additional search between 10 a.m. and noon. The Coast Guard said they searched throughout the night on Monday.
MORE: 2 fishermen rescued, 1 still missing near Muir Beach overlook
Family and friends held vigil at the overlook, waiting for any word from the official search parties.
Marlin said his cousin graduated from City College SF, where he studied biotechnology, and worked as a food runner at five-diamond rated, Michelin starred Fisherman's Wharf restaurant, Gary Danko, for 12 years.
His cousin said he loved fishing, hunting and soccer and is survived by his mother who lives in Honduras.
"The entire time he was here in America he worked at that place," Marlin said on Tuesday. "He was constantly working and sending money back to his mother and his family back in Honduras."
Muir Beach Fire Department Chief Chris Gove warned to watch out for sneaker waves at the beach and to always keep your eye on the water, especially when the water is cold. "Cold water, you don't last very long," Gove said.
Jose's fiancé Shauna Hinson said she hopes people will stay safe. She said she is heartbroken at losing someone she said is the, "sweetest, kindest person. Loved by so many."
The family has started collecting funds and hope to recover Jose's remains and send his body back to Honduras.
Photos of Jose Padilla courtesy his family.