One person died and another was hurt early Thursday after a car went over a cliff and landed in the ocean along Santa Cruz’s famed West Cliff Drive.

Santa Cruz fire officials said the crash was reported at about 12:50 a.m. near Steamer Lane, after the vehicle plunged into the water.

One occupant was able to get out of the submerged car and was treated for minor injuries. Rescue swimmers then entered the ocean to search for a second person believed to still be trapped inside.

Firefighters ultimately pulled the second victim from the vehicle, but that person later died at a nearby hospital.

Photos from the scene showed a red car being lifted out of the rough surf by a crane as heavy waves slammed into the cliffs below West Cliff Drive.

The Santa Cruz Fire Department deployed all five of its units to the emergency, joined by three Central Fire District units, a Scotts Valley Fire battalion chief and Santa Cruz police.

The area is among Santa Cruz’s most recognizable coastal landmarks, known for its steep Pacific-facing cliffs and the world-famous Steamer Lane surf break, which attracts surfers and visitors throughout the year.

Download The California Post App, follow us on social, and subscribe to our newsletters