Search Effort For Missing Surfer Becomes Recovery Operation

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MARIN COUNTY (CBS SF) – The search for a missing surfer has been called off, according to the National Park Service.

Alexandra Picavet, a spokeswoman for the service said crews from the National Park Service, U.S. Coast Guard, Southern Marin Fire Protection District and Marin County Fire Department have concluded a 24-hour search for 40-year-old Dan Dafoe of San Rafael.

A Marin County water rescue team had been on the water searching for Dafoe since day break today but had found no sign of the surfer or his board, Picavet said.

Two surfers reportedly spotted Dafoe unconscious and facedown in the water at the north end of Rodeo Beach Wednesday.

The two said they tried to bring him to shore through 8- to 10-foot surf until they and Dafoe were hit by a large wave.

Dafoe was last seen in the water near a cave at the north end of the beach.

Picavet said while crews would still continue to be observant, there would no longer be a focused search for Dafoe.