One of two women swimming along Antioch waterfront rescued; search continues for second
Both believed to be homeless; U.S. Coast Guard, Con Fire, Contra Costa County Sheriff Air Support Unit assist
By Lt. Franco Cesar, Antioch Police Department
ANTIOCH, Calif. – On September 23, 2026, at 6:12 p.m., Antioch Police Department officers responded to a report of two adult women in distress and drowning in the water near the rear of Smith’s Landing Seafood Grill restaurant by the Antioch Marina.
Upon arrival, Officer Molina immediately entered the water aboard a personal watercraft (jet ski) and successfully reached and rescued one of the women, who had been caught in the strong current.
A coordinated, multi-agency search was immediately initiated for the second 54-year-old woman. The United States Coast Guard, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (CONFIRE), and Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit assisted with extensive water and aerial searches of the area. As of this time, the second woman has not been located.
The preliminary investigation indicates no foul play is suspected. The two women were swimming when they were caught in the strong current. We are in the process of confirming the identity of the missing swimmer.
According to a video message by local homeless advocate Nichole Gardner posted on the Homelessness in Antioch & Community Connection Facebook page, the one rescued is named Farrah and the woman missing is named Lynn. “Our friend, Farrah is one of the women who fell in and they found her. But they could not find our friend, Lynn. We were out there at 6:30 when all of this was going on.”
When asked for the women’s ages, Lt. Franco said, “The information is preliminary for now. We expect to update the information later. I believe the one who is missing is 54 years old. But we need to interview the woman who was rescued.”
Asked if they are homeless, he said, “That’s our understanding and what people are saying.”
9/24/26 UPDATE 1: According to a KTVU FOX2 news report, “The woman who was rescued was identified by a friend as Farrah Moore. She was transported to the hospital for her injuries. Moore’s friend said she is OK and suffered a cut to her leg” and the identity of the missing swimmer is “46-year-old Edgielyn Torrente.”
9/25/26 UPDATE 2: According to his mother, Judy Dossey, “The private citizen on scene who was operating the jet ski is Jeff Lewis, an Antioch resident. Mr. Lewis also assisted in the rescue of the swimmer in distress.”
On Friday, Sept. 25th, a video of the rescue efforts was posted on the Antioch Police Facebook page.
Asked for any updates regarding locating the missing woman Captain Gary Lowther responded, “the status of the outstanding citizen is unknown.”
The Antioch Police Department thanks the United States Coast Guard, CONFIRE, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office for their rapid response and continued assistance with the search.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Antioch Police Department. Case No.: 26-9135
Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.
the attachments to this post:
Jeff Lewis assists Officer Molina on jet ski APD
Jeff-Lewis-and-Officer-Molina-jet-ski-APD
Con Fire incident report 092326
APD banner 2026 Water Rescue & Search
