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Father Dies, 5-Year-Old Missing After Family Swept Into Ocean at Garrapata Beach

Rescuers continue a multi-agency search in 15–20 foot surf.

Overview

  • An off-duty California State Parks officer located the family near the waterline around 12:50 p.m. at Garrapata State Beach along Highway 1.
  • Deputies say the child was pulled out by powerful waves estimated at 15–20 feet as her father tried to reach her and was swept away with her.
  • The mother was also swept into the water but made it back to shore; she was treated for mild hypothermia and is stable, and a 2-year-old was unharmed.
  • An officer pulled the father from the water and performed CPR before both parents were taken to a local hospital, where the father was pronounced dead.
  • The search for the missing girl, last seen wearing a red shirt, involves helicopters and crews from the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, CAL FIRE, CHP, Monterey County Search and Rescue, and U.S. Navy support.