Body recovered off of Big Sur coastline

The Monterey County Sheriff's Office, along with personnel from Cal Fire and California State Parks, helped recover the body of a man off the Big Sur coastline Saturday afternoon.

The man was later identified as Alberto Hernandez, age 25 of Marina. According to family and

friends, he was reported to be fishing off the rocks in the area where he was found.

At about 1 p.m. Saturday, a tourist contacted emergency dispatchers after observing a man floating in the ocean near China Vista Point. Lifeguards and emergency personnel from

Cal Fire and California State Parks were able to recover the individual from the water and bring him to shore according to a press release. Despite lifesaving efforts, the male was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team responded to assist with the recovery operation and transported the body from the rocky shoreline area to the roadway above, where he was released to the Coroner's Office.

The Sheriff's Office noted that the National Weather Service has issued a Beach Hazards statement for the Monterey County coastline, including the Big Sur coastal region. Hazardous ocean conditions are expected through the weekend, including high winds, dangerous surf, strong rip currents, rough shore break conditions, and elevated waves according to the release.

The Sheriff’s Office strongly urged individuals to stay away from the water's edge, rocks, and

coastal cliffs during hazardous surf conditions. Large waves and sneaker waves can unexpectedly surge onto shore with tremendous force according to the release.

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