Large Rogue Wave Accident at Mavericks Surf Contest

Waves slammed into the beach at the Mavericks Surf Contest on the morning of 13 February 2010, injuring at least 15 people and prompting organizers and local officials to block any more spectators from entering the area.

Coastside Fire Protection District Battalion Chief Ari Delay said two or three people were taken to hospitals with injuries, the worst of which was a fracture. About 70 paramedics, law enforcement officers and fire officials remain at Mavericks Beach to manage the estimated crowd of 20,000 people.

Organizers decided to close the Half Moon Bay Airport parking lot to new arrivals at about 10 a.m., when the tide was at its highest, said Mavericks Surf Contest spokeswoman Katherine Clark.

Every wave that crashed onto the beach claimed a couple more victims. Two small children were seen crying in their father's arms, covered in sand and salt water.

People climbed the bluffs above the beach to escape the waves, even though the area is supposed to be off-limits. There was a rush away from the beach with each big wave, but when the tide receded spectators returned to the water's edge.

While those on the beach scrambled for safety, many others continued to watch the contest on a large viewing screen, safely removed from the surging waves.