Father Dead, 5-Year-Old Daughter Remains Missing After Getting ‘Pulled Out’ to Ocean by ‘15-20 Ft. High’ Waves at Calif. Beach

Authorities in California are continuing to search for a young girl who was pulled into the ocean by a large wave along the Big Sur coastline.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said in a statement shared Saturday, Nov. 15, that the rescue effort remained active after the 5-year-old was swept into the water just before 1 p.m. local time on Friday, Nov. 14, at Garrapata State Beach.

Deputies responded after a lifeguard found the child’s family “in distress near the water line,” according to the agency. Waves were estimated at 15–20 feet when the girl was pulled away from the shore.

Her father jumped in and managed to grab her hand, but both were overtaken by the surf. The child’s mother also entered the water in an attempt to reach them.

The MCSO said the mother was able to make it back to shore on her own. A 2-year-old child who was with the family was not injured.

A responding officer pulled the father from the water and began CPR immediately. He was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The mother was hospitalized in stable condition and treated for mild hypothermia.

Authorities said the missing girl was last seen wearing a white shirt.

Multiple agencies joined the search effort on Friday, but operations were paused at 9 p.m. due to dangerous conditions and limited visibility. Efforts resumed Saturday, including assistance from a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

MCSO asked drivers along Highway 1 to avoid stopping at Garrapata State Beach to ensure rescue crews have room to work.

The National Weather Service issued a “beach hazards warning” through Nov. 14, advising visitors in the region to be cautious of unexpected large waves, according to SFGate.

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