A tragic incident occurred at Garrapata State Park along the Big Sur coast on Friday afternoon, where a 5-year-old girl remains missing, and her father has died. According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the events unfolded shortly before 1 p.m., when the girl’s father attempted to rescue her from dangerous waves between 15 and 20 feet high.
Incident Overview
Authorities reported that during the rescue attempt, both the girl and her father were swept into the ocean. The girl’s mother also fell into the water while trying to help. Fortunately, she managed to return to the shore safely. However, an off-duty peace officer from California State Parks retrieved the father from the water and initiated CPR. He was later declared dead at a hospital.
Condition of Family
- The mother is currently in stable condition but suffered mild hypothermia.
- A 2-year-old child present at the scene was unharmed.
Search Efforts for the Missing Girl
The search for the missing girl is a multi-agency effort involving the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Rescue operations included helicopter searches. However, efforts were temporarily suspended overnight due to poor weather conditions and lightning.
Safety Warnings
At the time of the incident, a beach hazard warning was in effect for the surrounding areas due to the intense wave activity. These hazardous conditions were not directly related to local rain but were caused by strong winds reaching up to 70 mph, according to the National Weather Service in Monterey. Meteorologist Lamont Bain explained that the increased wave action creates more energy in the ocean, which can lead to unexpected dangers.
Understanding Sneaker Waves
Experts believe the family may have encountered a “sneaker wave.” This phenomenon occurs when a wave rushes further ashore than typical, surprising unsuspecting beachgoers. Meteorologists warn that waves of up to 18 feet were possible along the Pacific coast, with some areas potentially experiencing waves as high as 23 feet.
Preparedness and Warnings
The National Weather Service has issued beach hazard statements across multiple counties, including Monterey, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and Orange. These warnings aim to raise awareness of the increased risks associated with riptides and sneaker waves.
As search efforts continue for the missing girl, officials emphasize the importance of adhering to safety warnings to help prevent similar tragedies.
