Tragic Seaside Incident Claims Father and Daughter
A Canadian family's coastal walk turned to tragedy last Friday when a seven-year-old girl and her father were swept out to sea at Garrapata State Beach near Big Sur, California. The body of the young girl was recovered on Sunday after an extensive two-day search operation involving multiple emergency services.
Deadly Wave Strikes Without Warning
According to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, the devastating incident occurred around 1pm on Friday, November 14, 2025. Yuji Hu, aged 39, from Calgary, Alberta, was walking along the beach with his wife and daughter when an unexpectedly large wave struck high on the shoreline.
The powerful surge dragged both the child and her father into the ocean. Mr Hu immediately attempted to swim to his daughter's rescue, but both were pulled farther from shore by the heavy surf. The child's mother also entered the water in a desperate attempt to assist her family but managed to return to shore.
Massive Search Operation Launched
Other beach visitors and an off-duty California State Parks officer witnessed the unfolding tragedy and rushed to help. They successfully pulled Mr Hu from the water and administered CPR until emergency services arrived.
Despite these efforts, Mr Hu was pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. The mother received treatment for hypothermia and was later released.
The US Coast Guard, California State Parks, and Cal Fire initiated a large-scale search operation for the missing girl. The search involved helicopter crews and rescue divers who scoured the coastal waters.
Tragically, on Sunday, November 16, the girl's body was located approximately 100 yards offshore, about half a mile north of where she was initially swept into the water.
Weather Service Had Issued Warnings
The National Weather Service had issued a beach hazards advisory for that Friday, warning that waves could strike much higher on beaches than anticipated. The warning specifically noted that such dangerous surges could occur without warning, creating perilous conditions for coastal visitors.
In an official statement, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office expressed that the family has thanked all agencies and community members involved in the search efforts. The grieving family has requested privacy during this difficult time and does not wish to make further statements.
