Rescue teams resumed their search in California on Saturday for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the Pacific Ocean at the Big Sur Coast the day prior.
The girl’s father and mother were also pulled into the water at Garrapata State Beach in Monterey County by waves estimated to be about 15 to 20 feet high, a press release from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) said.
Emergency responders were able to rescue the father, who later died at a hospital, while the mother made it to shore on her own.
Operations involving helicopters and specialized rescue teams continued through the night and into Saturday morning, the MCSO said.
Why It Matters
The search operation at Garrapata State Beach underscores persistent public safety risks associated with California’s rugged coastline, particularly during periods of high surf.
Friday’s events unfolded in front of witnesses and included rescue attempts by an off-duty State Parks lifeguard, illustrating the unpredictable danger posed by strong rip currents and large waves even in daylight hours.
The location is well-known for rip currents and steep drop-offs, factors that may have contributed to the family’s difficulties in the water. Agencies issued reminders to beachgoers to exercise caution near the ocean, particularly during times of high surf and on unguarded beaches.
What To Know
Rescuers returned Saturday to Garrapata State Beach, located north of the Rocky Point Restaurant along Highway 1 as they continue to search for the 5-year-old girl who was caught in the treacherous surf on Friday afternoon.
MCSO said it was called to the area just after 1 p.m. when an off-duty State Parks Peace Officer and lifeguard pulled a man out of the water and began performing life saving measures on him.
Waves estimated between 15 and 20 feet high pulled the girl into the ocean. As her father entered the water to save her, both were quickly swept away, the release said. The child’s mother attempted to help them but was also swept into the surf. She managed to reach the shore on her own. A second child, who is 2 years old, was not harmed, according to the release.
The man was pronounced deceased at a local hospital and his wife was treated for mild hypothermia and remains in stable condition.
Resources from California State Parks, CAL FIRE, the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey County Search and Rescue, California Highway Patrol, and U.S. Naval Air Station Lemoore provided ground teams and helicopters to continue searching for the girl who was last seen wearing a red shirt
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a small craft advisory amid heavy winds and high surf that forecasted to last through Saturday.
Officials noted that the surf conditions at Garrapata State Beach were particularly hazardous at the time of the incident, with waves much larger than usual.
What Happens Next?
Search efforts led by MCSO utilizing aerial and shoreline patrols are ongoing, with the search continuing through the weekend as weather and surf conditions allow.
Monterey County officials urged anyone visiting beaches along the Big Sur coastline to remain vigilant and to also heed surf advisories.