A tragic incident unfolded at Garrapata State Park along Big Sur when a father and his 5-year-old daughter were swept into the ocean by powerful waves. It happened around 1 p.m. as the father tried to save his daughter from waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet high. The girl’s mother also got pulled in but managed to reach the shore safely.
Rescue efforts quickly kicked in. An off-duty state park officer pulled the father from the water and started CPR. He was taken to a hospital but sadly didn’t survive. The mother, though stable, had mild hypothermia. Their 2-year-old child remained unharmed.
Search teams from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, and the U.S. Coast Guard are combing the area for the missing girl. Weather conditions, including lightning, temporarily halted their efforts. A beach hazard warning was issued, as rough waves were expected along the coast due to strong winds of up to 70 mph.
Meteorologist Lamont Bain from the National Weather Service emphasized the danger of “sneaker waves.” These waves can rush farther ashore than regular ones, catching beachgoers off guard. Though the recent storms also influenced wave height, the sneaker waves added an unexpected risk.
The National Weather Service had previously warned about unsafe beach conditions across various regions. Their advice? Stay away from the water during severe weather to avoid accidents.
The incident has stirred concern among local residents and visitors alike. Many have taken to social media to express their worries and share safety tips.
This heartbreaking story serves as a reminder of the ocean’s unpredictable nature. Awareness and caution can help prevent tragic accidents on the beach.
For more about ocean safety, you can check out the National Weather Service’s beach hazard advisories here.
