A tragic incident unfolded at a beach in Northern California when a father and his 7-year-old daughter lost their lives after being caught in a powerful wave, officials reported on Sunday.
While the family was spending time at Garrapata State Beach on Friday, a massive 15–20-foot wave suddenly drew the young girl away from the shore, as detailed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
Her father, 39-year-old Yuji Hu from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, heroically attempted to rescue her but was also overcome by the turbulent waters, according to the sheriff’s office.
The girl’s mother bravely entered the water in a rescue attempt but soon found herself struggling against the waves. Fortunately, she was able to make her way back to the beach. A 2-year-old sibling was present during the incident but remained unharmed.
The search concluded on Sunday when a diver located the child’s body offshore, confirmed by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team.
In a joint effort, a beachgoer and an off-duty California State Parks officer rescued Hu from the water and performed CPR. Despite their efforts, Hu was declared dead at the hospital. The mother received treatment for hypothermia and was later released.
Rescue teams launched a two-day, multi-agency search for the missing girl. Ground teams combed the shoreline and cliffs for signs of the child, while helicopters scoured the area by air and divers searched the sea.
A helicopter is seen scouring the shoreline where the child was last seen at Garrapata State Beach in Northern California. (Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue)
On Sunday, a diver located a body about 100 yards offshore and about half a mile north of where the girl was last seen. The body was brought to shore and later confirmed to be the 7-year-old girl.
Rescuer teams searched for the girl on Friday and Saturday without success. (Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue)
“The family has expressed their gratitude to all agencies, personnel, and community members involved in the search and recovery efforts,” the sheriff’s office said. “They continue to request privacy and do not wish to make further statements at this time.”
