Search Suspended for 27-Year-Old Woman Who Disappeared While Kayaking Off San Diego Coast

A desperate search for a 27-year-old woman who disappeared while reportedly kayaking off the Southern California coast has been suspended, leaving her family waiting for answers.

Samantha Youngs was last heard from at around 8 p.m. on October 12, 2026, according to reports. Her family reported her missing shortly afterward when they were unable to reach her.

Investigators believe Youngs may have been kayaking near Black’s Beach, below the cliffs near Torrey Pines in San Diego. Her vehicle was found parked near the Torrey Pines Gliderport, prompting concern that she may have entered the water and failed to return.

The U.S. Coast Guard, San Diego Police Department and local lifeguard services launched a large-scale search operation. Crews searched approximately 484 square miles of ocean and surrounding waters, using available rescue resources to look for any sign of the missing woman.

After roughly 11 hours of searching, authorities suspended the operation on October 13 at approximately 6:20 p.m. Coast Guard Cmdr. Celina Ladyga described the decision as difficult, explaining that crews had exhausted reasonable search efforts.

Despite the extensive operation, officials had not located Youngs at the time the search was called off. Police continued to seek information from the public that might help clarify what happened.

The suspension of the active search does not mean the case is closed. Youngs remains missing, and authorities may review new information or leads if they emerge.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact the San Diego Police Department.

For her loved ones, the uncertainty remains painful. What began as a kayaking outing has become a missing-person investigation with no confirmed answer about her whereabouts.

Source: PEOPLE