Surfers including Darryl Flea Virostko save family of six after speedboat capsizes in 12 foot wave off Santa Cruz California

A routine day on the waves turned into a life-saving mission off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, when a winter swell threw a family of six from their speedboat into the Pacific.

On February 6, a 12-foot wave slammed into the boat, flipping it over and sending two parents and their four children into the water.

Luckily, several surfers were nearby, riding the rolling winter waves.

Among them, a group of about ten — including two 14-year-old boys and famed big wave surfer Darryl “Flea” Virostko — didn’t hesitate to act.

They paddled hard toward the struggling family, aware that some were not wearing life jackets and every second counted.

A Split-Second Rescue

Virostko, a three-time Mavericks champion, described the moment on Instagram, saying he saw the boat hit a “big white wash” and knew the family needed immediate help.

He pulled the father onto his surfboard while a friend helped the mother.

Young surfer Ian Anderson helped save one of the children, and the remaining family members were rescued by the other surfers’ boards.

“It was just unbelievable,” Virostko wrote.

“These small children made it out of this boat wreck.”

Anderson recalled to KSBW, “I see this kid floating in the water, yelling for help, so I just was wondering what was happening.”

Their calm, fast response prevented what could have been a deadly accident.

First Responders Arrive

Within minutes, harbor patrol boats and ambulances reached the scene.

Fire officials said the quick action of the surfers was crucial in preventing serious injury or loss of life.

The entire family survived the ordeal without serious harm and was transported to a hospital for recovery.

Santa Cruz Fire Chief Rob Oatey personally thanked the group, praising their courage and willingness to step into a dangerous situation.

“It’s huge that we have people in the community who are willing to take that step and become involved in an emergency situation,” he told KSBW.

Community Praise and Recognition

The Santa Cruz Fire Department took to Facebook to highlight the surfers’ bravery, calling them “a key partner in ocean safety.”

Both Virostko and Anderson expressed gratitude toward the wider surfing community, emphasizing how the group’s tight-knit nature allowed them to act as a team in a crisis.

“Man it feels good to have a surfing community go into action together as one team,” Virostko wrote.

Anderson added, “Whenever someone’s in trouble, we always come together to help that person.”

City officials have announced they are considering a ceremony to formally honor the surfers for their heroism, underscoring the importance of community response in emergency situations.

What’s Next?

The family is expected to make a full recovery, and local authorities are reviewing the incident to reinforce safety protocols along the Santa Cruz coast.

The heroic surfers may be formally recognized in a city ceremony, and their story serves as a reminder of the vital role ordinary citizens can play in emergencies.

Summary

On February 6, a family of six was thrown from their speedboat off Santa Cruz after a 12-foot wave capsized it.

A group of ten nearby surfers, including Darryl “Flea” Virostko and two 14-year-old boys, acted quickly to rescue each family member using their surfboards.

The family survived without serious injury, and Santa Cruz Fire Department officials praised the surfers’ bravery.

City officials are considering a ceremony to honor their actions, highlighting the close-knit community spirit among Santa Cruz surfers.