California man washed out to sea during baptism

31 March 2014 Last updated at 11:03 ET

Officials warned the surf near the area can be dangerous

A California man remains missing a day after he was swept out to sea during an ocean baptism, local media report.

Benito Flores, 43, was among several people helping his cousin, Pastor Maurigro Cervantes, baptise a man near the Guadalupe Dunes Preserve north of Santa Barbara.

Two others were swept out by a huge wave but were able to swim to shore.

Santa Barbara rescue officials say they could not find Mr Flores by nightfall after an extensive search.

The baptism was just finishing up at 10:00 local time (17:00 GMT) on Sunday when the church members were hit by the wave.

"A big wave came and took Benito," Mr Cervantes told local broadcaster KEYT. "I tried to take him out, he was heavy and then another big wave came."

The US Coast Guard and as well as local rescue officials are involved in the search.

Mr Cervantes, who leads the Jesus Christ Light of the Sky church in Santa Maria, said his church performed such ceremonies two or three times a year, according to the Santa Maria Times.

Ref: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-26823842