A swimmer from San Francisco State University, named Hamzah Alsaudi, went missing on Thursday, January 19 near Pacifica
At 10:30 a.m., while swimming at Esplanade Beach with his two buddies, a 22-year-old student Hamzah Alsaudi was struck by a strong wave. According to the authorities in Pacifica, he was dragged quite a distance from the shore.
The group returned to the shore after unsuccessfully searching the water for him and dialled emergency services. Emergency personnel were called to the scene amid reports of a swimmer in trouble, but after hours of searching, they came up empty-handed.
Who is Hamzah Alsaudi missing SFSU student and swimmer after taking polar plunge in the pacific and latest update news
According to his acquaintances, Hamzah Alsaudi and his companions took the “polar plunge,” a wintertime swimming fad when participants intentionally plunge into freezing water. Reports indicate that the temperature of the ocean off the coast of Pacifico was 53 degrees on January 18.
It is with very heavy hearts that we share news about one of our beloved students and member of our wrestling team. Our thoughts are with Hamzah, his loved ones, and anyone who needs support during this time. Please see resources below and take care of each other. pic.twitter.com/7FqperEnN8
— SF State (@SFSU) January 20, 2023
The search for Alsaudi, which had been conducted by police, lifeguards, and the Coast Guard utilising drones, aircraft, and a surface vessel, was called off on Friday, January 20, and will not be resumed this weekend, according to SF State.
Who was Hamzah Alsaudi? Age, early life, career and much more!
He wrestled for the San Francisco State University Gators and was a sophomore from Santa Monica. He is 6 feet and 1 inch tall, weighs 215 pounds, has brown hair, and was last seen wearing black shorts. Alsaudi was a star athlete and a student of politics who is also interested in the study of Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED). He was a Santa Monica native whose parents were Iraqi.
RIP Hamzah Alsaudi. An incredible wrestler, coach and teammate. This guy was always there to help out the kids and this is such a tragedy. https://t.co/40fCyQmaJ7
— Adam Hunter (@AdamComedian) January 20, 2023
During his senior year, Alsaudi finished in fifth place at 195 pounds at the state championships, making him a three-time CIF (Champions Indoor Football) champion. He was the champion of the West Coast Classic and the USS Midway Wrestling Tournament. A four-year member of the Palisades High School wrestling team, he graduated as a state champion.
His favourite memory is of a 10-9 victory over the eventual state champion. He’s the middle of three brothers and sisters. Both Kobe Bryant and The Alchemist are among his most cherished works of literature and sports memorabilia.
Authorities alert the region after Hamzah Alsaudi incident
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the National Weather Service has issued a coastal hazard alert due to the potential for king tides. This is a colloquial term for exceptionally high tides. The warning is in effect from the northern end of the San Francisco Bay Area down to Big Sur. And will remain in effect until Monday, January 23.
The increased risk of sneaker waves are waves that erupt without warning. They have prompted the weather service to issue a beach hazard statement. Which will be in effect from Friday evening, January 20, through Sunday afternoon, January 22.
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