Tragic Incident on California Coast

A father and his 7-year-old daughter were caught by powerful waves while visiting a Northern California beach, leading to a heartbreaking outcome, according to authorities on Sunday.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office reported that the family was at Garrapata State Beach when waves reaching 15 to 20 feet pulled the girl from the shore on Friday.

Her father, Yuji Fu, 39, from Calgary, Alberta, quickly jumped into the water to save her but was also swept away by the surging waves.

The girl’s mother attempted to follow them into the water but was soon overwhelmed. Thankfully, she managed to swim back to safety. Their 2-year-old son was present as well, but fortunately, he was unharmed.

Beachgoers, along with an off-duty California State Parks employee, worked together to pull Yuji out of the water. They performed CPR before he was rushed to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The mother received treatment for hypothermia and was later released.

A multi-agency search for the missing girl commenced, extending over two days. Ground teams combed the coastline and cliffs, while helicopters searched from above and divers scoured the ocean.

On Sunday, divers located the girl’s body approximately 100 meters offshore and 80 meters north of where she was last seen. Her body was brought back to shore and confirmed to be that of the 7-year-old.

The sheriff’s office released a statement expressing gratitude on behalf of the family to all involved in the search and recovery efforts, while requesting privacy during this difficult time.