A 39-year-old Canadian man has died while desperately trying to save his five-year-old daughter after a powerful wave swept her into the Pacific Ocean off Garrapata State Beach in Big Sur, California. According to reports sourced from the New York Post and published by NDTV, the child remains missing, while the mother—who also entered the water in an attempt to help—survived the ordeal.
The tragedy unfolded on Friday along the coastline of Monterey County, near Highway 1, at a time when the area was experiencing unusually large and dangerous waves. Authorities stated that the swells were estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet, creating conditions treacherous even for experienced swimmers.
The child was dragged seaward by a sudden, forceful wave. Her father, identified as Yuji Hu, immediately plunged into the water in an effort to reach her, but both were carried further out by the strong rip current. The child’s mother followed soon after, attempting to assist, though she eventually managed to struggle back to shore. The couple’s other child, aged two, had remained safely on the beach and was unharmed.
Monterey County Sheriff Commander Andres Rosas confirmed that, at one point, Hu had managed to hold on to his daughter before both were overwhelmed by the surf. An off-duty lifeguard and a passer-by were able to pull Hu from the water and administer CPR.
Both parents were rushed to hospital, where Hu was pronounced dead. The mother received treatment for mild hypothermia and was later discharged.
Search efforts for the missing child continue, with State Parks officers expected to patrol the coastline over the coming days. Police noted that the grieving family has requested privacy and has declined to comment publicly.
Authorities have reiterated warnings to visitors, emphasising the unpredictable nature of the California coastline—particularly during periods of high surf and strong currents—and advising beachgoers never to turn their backs on the ocean.
