21 January 2023 , 13:20
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A student wrestler has been reported missing after being hit by a huge wave during an "ocean plunge."
San Francisco State University pupil, Hamzah Alsaudi, 22, jumped into the waters off Esplanade Beach, California, US, on January 19 at around 10.30am along with two friends.
However, he soon disappeared after he was hit by a massive wave which pulled him away from the shore.
His friends quickly searched for Alsaudi but couldn't find him as they rushed back to the beach and called 911.
Police launched a missing person operation which involved the Coast Guard, lifeguards, drones, planes and a boat.
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Hamzah Alsaudi went missing after being hit by a wave at Esplanade Beach (Pacifica Police Department)He is described as 6'1" tall, 15 stone with brown hair, and last seen wearing black shorts.
Despite the missing person operation, the student wrestler was unable to be located and authorities called off the search for the student wrestler on Friday.
According to police, the search for Alsaudi will not resume this weekend.
This is due to a weather warning in place from yesterday evening to Sunday afternoon which states waves are appearing without warning along with strong rip currents.
A huge missing persons operation was launched to find the student (NBC Bay Area)San Francisco State University released a statement informing colleagues of the missing student.
It said: “I write to you with a heavy heart. At this time, we have been told that authorities are no longer actively searching for Hamzah, and he is considered missing.
"Hamzah is one of our seniors majoring in Political Science with a minor in Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas (AMED) Studies.
"He is also a beloved member of the SF State Wrestling team. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gator community right now as we process this news.
The wrestler was reported missing at Esplanade Beach at around 10.30 on Thursday (NBC Bay Area)"Campus resources are available for the members of our community who need assistance during this difficult time."
According to coastguards, Pacifica, which is 15 miles south of San Francisco, was experiencing dangerous rip tides when Alsaudi was hit by a massive wave.
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Alsaudi's friends said he had jumped into the dangerous waters for a "polar plunge", a trend which sees swimmers jump into cold water in the winter months.
The Pacifico water was 53 degrees when he jumped in, according to weather data.
Pacifica Acting Chief of Police, Christopher Clements, said there was no further information available in relation to Alsaudi's disappearance.