The body of a seven-year-old girl who drowned after being swept out to sea near Big Sur, California, has been recovered by authorities. Her 39-year-old father died trying to save her after a large wave struck the shoreline and dragged her into the ocean.
Around 1pm on Friday, Yuji Hu, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, his wife and daughter were walking along the beach at Garrapata State Beach when the wave hit, dragging both the girl and Hu into the ocean, according to the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. Hu tried to swim to his daughter but ultimately died in the heavy surf.
“As Hu reached for his daughter, both were pulled farther into the ocean,” a sheriff's office statement said. “The child’s mother attempted to assist but was also swept into the water. She was ultimately able to make it back to shore.” Another beachgoer and an off-duty California State Parks officer noticed the family in trouble and rushed to assist. They managed to rescue Hu and administer CPR, but he later died in hospital.
The mother was treated for hypothermia and later released. The U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, and Cal Fire launched a large-scale search. On Sunday, the girl’s body was located about 100 yards offshore, half a mile north of where she was swept in.
Inclement weather may have played a role. On Friday, a National Weather Service beach hazards warning was in effect, warning that waves could strike higher than anticipated without warning. The family expressed gratitude to all involved and requested privacy.
