The recent recovery of a young girl’s body from the Pacific Ocean off the Central California coast has drawn significant attention. This tragic event unfolded near Garrapata State Beach, where the child was swept away by powerful waves.
Incident Overview
On Friday, approximately at 1 p.m., a 7-year-old girl was pulled into the ocean due to a strong wave. This occurred about 12 miles south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, under hazardous surf conditions estimated at 15 to 20 feet.
- Location: Garrapata State Beach, California
- Time of Incident: Friday, shortly before 1 p.m.
- Wave Height: Estimated 15 to 20 feet
Efforts to Rescue
The girl’s father, Yuji Hu, aged 39 and from Calgary, attempted to rescue her but was also swept away. An off-duty California State Parks lifeguard intervened, rescuing Hu from the water. Despite immediate CPR, he was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
- Father’s Name: Yuji Hu, 39, Calgary
- Rescue By: Off-duty California State Parks lifeguard
Mother and Sister’s Condition
The girl’s mother also entered the water to assist but managed to return with help. She received treatment for mild hypothermia and has since been discharged from the hospital. A 2-year-old sibling present at the scene was unharmed.
Community Response
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office noted that the family is grateful for the support from rescue agencies and community members involved in the search efforts.
Weather Impact
This tragic incident was exacerbated by a winter-pattern storm affecting the Central Coast. The National Weather Service had previously issued warnings about the dangerous surf conditions, advising beachgoers of potential “sneaker waves.” The storm also led to other incidents, including a fatal car accident in Sutter County.
- Storm Effects:
- Flooding in Southern California streets
- Vehicle collisions due to poor conditions
- Over 12 inches of rain recorded in Santa Barbara County
- Santa Barbara County rainfall: Nearly half of the annual average of 17 inches
This heartbreaking occurrence highlights the dangers posed by the ocean during severe weather, emphasizing the need for increased caution during such conditions.
