22-year-old college senior missing after ‘polar plunge’ in California

Hamza Al-Saudi, a San Francisco State University student, went missing on Thursday during a “polar plunge” at Esplanade Beach in Pacifica, California, police said. news release.

At approximately 10:30 am on January 19, police were called to the beach after a swimmer was lost. Al-Saudi and his two others went into the sea, officials said, but while in the water the 22-year-old was hit by a large wave that pulled him from the shore.

Two other swimmers were able to get back to shore and called 911 for help, police said.

The U.S. Coast Guard has dispatched aircraft and surface ships to help search for al-Saudi, police said. CBS Bay Area Several other agencies, including California Highway Patrol Air Force and San Bruno Police Department drones, were reported to have been called in to assist in the search.

Al-Saudi, who was born in Baghdad, Iraq, was a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in political science and minoring in Arab studies, the university said. He was also a beloved member of the institution’s wrestling team, his school said. in a letter to the community Shared on Friday afternoon, it was a four-year high school letter winner.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gator community as we process this news,” the letter said. doing.”