Hamzah Raedjameel Alsaudi, a 22-year-old senior at San Francisco State University, was last seen on January 19, 2023, at Esplanade Beach in Pacifica, California. On that morning, around 10:30 a.m., Alsaudi and two friends went for a swim in the ocean, reportedly as part of a "polar plunge". While in the water, a large wave struck Alsaudi and pulled him further out to sea. His two friends were able to get back to shore and immediately called 911 for help.
Alsaudi was a political science major with a minor in Arab and Muslim Ethnicities and Diasporas Studies and a member of the university's wrestling team. He was born in Baghdad, Iraq, and had moved with his family to the United States at the age of ten. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being 6 feet 1 inch tall, weighing approximately 210-215 pounds, with brown hair and green eyes. He was last seen wearing black shorts or swim trunks.
Following the 911 call, an extensive search was launched by several agencies, including the Pacifica Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks Ocean Life Guards, and the California Highway Patrol. The search utilized aircraft, a surface vessel, and drones to scan the area and surrounding beaches, but was unsuccessful in locating Alsaudi. Rescue crews searched until about 8:30 p.m. on the day he disappeared. Although the official search by some agencies was scaled back, the Pacifica Police Department's investigation remained open.
In the wake of the incident, San Francisco State University issued statements expressing their sorrow and offering support to Alsaudi's family, friends, and the university community. Alsaudi's family, holding out hope, pleaded with authorities to continue the search efforts. His sister later started a GoFundMe page to raise funds for private search services. Despite the efforts, Alsaudi has not been found and is presumed to have drowned.
Last Seen: Jan 19, 2023
