Press Release: MCSO Search and Rescue Assists with Recovery Efforts After Vehicle Drives Off Highway 1 in Big Sur

DATE/TIME: 2/10/2026 at 9:00 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: MCSO Search and Rescue Assists with Recovery Efforts After Vehicle Drives Off Highway 1 in Big Sur

LOCATION: Highway 1 at Hurricane Point, Big Sur Coastline, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Team assisted Big Sur Fire and the California Highway Patrol with recovery operations after a vehicle left the roadway along Highway 1 at Hurricane Point on the Big Sur coastline.

At approximately 4:22 p.m. on February 10, Monterey County emergency dispatchers received multiple 911 calls reporting that a vehicle had gone off the roadway and was believed to have entered the water. Big Sur Fire and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office established a unified command and coordinated search and rescue efforts.

Responding personnel located the vehicle after it had traveled over a cliff and came to rest more than 500 feet below on the rocks. During the operation, rescuers located one occupant, who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Recovery efforts continued until approximately 8:45 p.m. The victim was safely recovered and transferred to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Coroner’s Office for identification and next-of-kin notification.

Sheriff Tina Nieto stated, “Weather conditions made recovery efforts extremely challenging. Strong winds required our Search and Rescue personnel to take additional safety precautions throughout the operation. We extend our condolences to the victim’s family during this difficult time.”

The California Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.