Two presumed drowned off Huntington Beach
Two young men on a beach outing disappeared off the Huntington Beach Pier on Saturday afternoon and were presumed drowned after a search was called off at sundown.
Families of the two missing swimmers arrived from their homes in Banning and held a vigil on the beach into the evening, hugging one another and wailing.
The men were with a group from the Laotian Evangelical Church attending a wedding.
Four people in the party ventured into the high surf on the south side of the pier and were caught in a rip current.
One of the men was able to swim ashore. Huntington Beach lifeguards rescued a second, Sai Yang, in his mid-20s.
“I was able to keep afloat and that’s how they were able to spot me,” Yang said.
But the other two never returned. A church member identified the missing men as John Shua Lee, 24, and Shao Moua, 20, both of Banning
Orange County Lifeguards, several police agencies, the harbor patrol and the Huntington Beach Fire Department joined in a futile search involving a flotilla of rescue boats, jet skis and scuba divers.
--Doug Smith and Allen J. Schaben
Caption: Members of the Laotian Evangelical Church in Banning mourn two friends who are feared drowned while swimming Saturday south of Huntington Beach Pier. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times
More photos
EDITOR'S PICKS:
This is so sad. I am really sorry for them and for their families.
Posted by: Jennifer | August 28, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Our prayers for the families and your church fellowship.
Posted by: Luke Iwata | August 28, 2010 at 11:41 PM
A friend of mine told me about this, i hope the two family are okay, i feel real sorry.
Posted by: Samuel Baek | August 29, 2010 at 05:11 PM
I happened to be right there at this tragic event and accidently got most of it on video. I was there with my family and have the four young men in the water together and then a big set of waves came in etc. and the attempted rescue. It was so sad. If anyone is interested in seeing the video, please call me at: 310 6138438.
Posted by: Pauline Kiernan | August 29, 2010 at 10:35 PM
I was there saturday, I also got caught in a rip current the lifegaurgd came after I already swam to shore with my friend exhausted.
Posted by: Nathaniel | August 29, 2010 at 10:45 PM
To those who attend Huntington beach please keeps your eyes out there for our brother in christ. If you guys see them please let us know. We are so sad and heart broken not knowing what have happen to them after the wave have taken them away. Warning to all those who atten the beach please becareful because its really dangerous. But God please help our two brothers that were taken away from us. Hold their hands tight and not let go lord, your the one who knows everything please bless them in your name and always will be. PLEASE PLEASE we ask of pardon PLEASE help us FIND our TWO brother. Johnshue lee and Shao moua. THANKS YOU SO MUCH.
Posted by: angel | August 29, 2010 at 11:12 PM
Terribly traggic on our local beach. May their souls be rested.
Posted by: Jina | August 30, 2010 at 09:04 AM
I just cried when reading the post by Angel. It's terrifying and tragic. The victims and families will be in my prayers. Please be careful out there.
Posted by: Michelle | August 30, 2010 at 10:38 AM
I live in St. Paul Minnesota and heard about the tragic new, knowing that two of our brothers are no where to be found, it's sad, but do have hopes and believe in God. He knows what to do when you ask him and need him the most. My thoughts and prayers are with the families.
Posted by: Kevin Lor | August 31, 2010 at 07:34 PM