Sinkhole opens at Malibu celebrity home as giant surf erodes shoreline

A massive sinkhole appeared on the ocean‑front of a multi‑million‑dollar property in Malibu after powerful waves battered the coast. Aerial images released by AFP show concrete, sand and other debris spilling into the crater, which now sits perilously close to the home’s double garage.

Why the surf matters

The property, reportedly owned by "Leaving Las Vegas" star Nicolas Cage, has become a visual reminder of how extreme surf can undermine even the most expensive beachfront real estate. The waves were generated by the remnants of Hurricane Marie, which the National Weather Service says produced surf heights of 10‑15 feet along parts of Southern California.

"There were some pretty significant surf and swells across the area in the last several days," said Richard Thompson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service. "At the height of the surf and swell, we had some very significant wave heights up 10 to 15 feet in some spots, along with significant beach erosion."

Authorities have cordoned off the area with traffic cones, but engineers are expected to evaluate the structural stability of the garage and the surrounding foundation. Insurance adjusters are likely to be called in, and the incident may prompt stricter building codes for coastal developments.

What comes next

With another storm system, Hurricane Lowell, already delivering heavy rain and wind to Hawaii, forecasters warn that the Pacific’s near‑record El Nino phase could spawn more powerful storms along the West Coast. Residents of vulnerable shorelines are being urged to monitor local warnings and consider mitigation measures to protect their properties from future erosion.