Body found at Santa Cruz beach

(KRON) — A body was found at Its Beach in Santa Cruz Friday.

The Santa Cruz Police Department said the body was reported to authorities at 2:13 p.m.

“The identity of the body is pending verification by the Santa Cruz County Coroner,” SCPD said.

A UC Santa Cruz student disappeared at Its Beach around 4:45 p.m. on May 4 after two people jumped from a cliff into the ocean near Steamer Lane. A witness reported that two swimmers struggled to swim back to shore after jumping into the water at the popular surf spot. One person made it back to shore. The other did not, the Santa Cruz City Fire Department said.

A massive search-and-rescue effort was launched at Its Beach to recover the missing student. The U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, harbor patrol, local lifeguards and multiple fire departments responded to the scene. The missing student was not found during the search and rescue mission.

“Specialized search patterns were conducted in the area where the victim was last seen, along with drone operations for assistance,” SCCFD said. “After over an hour of an extensive search, it was determined to conclude the search from shore. Coast Guard units remained on scene to search the area with both aircraft and a vessel.”

Officials have not confirmed if the body found Friday is that of the missing UC Santa Cruz student.