Missing 7-Year-Old Found Dead After Garrapata State Beach Incident
Authorities have recovered the body of a 7-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean at Garrapata State Park in California on November 14, following a two-day search involving multiple state and federal agencies. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) confirmed the discovery on November 16, marking a tragic end to the rescue efforts that began when the child and her father were carried out to sea by powerful waves.
The girl, initially reported to be 5 years old, was found around 1:20 p.m. local time on Sunday by a diver searching offshore. She was located approximately half a mile north of the point where she was swept away. “The diver brought the child to shore and notified State Parks,” the MCSO said in a statement. “Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue assisted with the recovery. The Sheriff’s Office can now confirm that the recovered body is that of the missing child.” Her name has not been publicly released.
Father Died After Attempting Rescue
On November 14, deputies responded to emergency calls reporting that a young girl had been pulled into the ocean by waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet high. Her father, identified as 39-year-old Yuji Hu, immediately entered the water in an attempt to save her. According to an updated release from the Sheriff’s Office, “An off-duty State Park Peace Officer (SPPO) lifeguard jumped into action when he spotted a family in distress near the water line at Garrapata State Park at about 12:50 p.m.”
Despite the efforts of bystanders and first responders, Hu was carried farther out by the waves. He was eventually pulled from the water by rescue personnel and transported to a hospital, where he died from his injuries.
The girl’s mother also attempted to reach her daughter and became caught in the surf. She was ultimately able to make it back to shore and was hospitalized for mild hypothermia. The family’s 2-year-old child, who was present during the incident, also suffered injuries.
Search Efforts Spanned Multiple Agencies
Authorities launched a large-scale search immediately after the reports came in. Personnel from California State Parks, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, CAL FIRE, the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey County Search and Rescue, and the California Highway Patrol all participated in the effort to locate the missing girl.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, hazardous weather conditions complicated the search, with officials suspending operations around 9 p.m. on November 14 due to “weather and lighting conditions.” The search resumed Saturday morning with expanded resources, including a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter that conducted aerial sweeps along the coastline.
The diver who located the child on November 16 was part of a targeted underwater search team assigned to the most likely drift areas based on tides, wave activity, and wind direction at the time she disappeared.
Dangerous Conditions and Recurring Warnings
The tragedy occurred during a period of dangerous surf conditions along the central California coast. The National Weather Service had issued a “beach hazards warning” advising the public to be alert for “unexpectedly large waves” through November 14. Such waves—often called sneaker waves—can surge far higher and farther up the beach than anticipated, catching even experienced beachgoers off guard.
Garrapata State Park, located along the picturesque but treacherous Big Sur coastline, is known for its powerful surf and steep drop-offs. Authorities regularly caution visitors to keep a safe distance from the shoreline during high surf advisories, as conditions can change rapidly.
Family Requests Privacy
In a statement released by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the family expressed appreciation toward the agencies, rescue teams, and community members who assisted in the search and recovery operations. “The family has expressed their gratitude to all agencies, personnel, and community members involved in the search and recovery efforts,” officials said. “They continue to request privacy and do not wish to make further statements at this time.”
Local officials have also emphasized the risks posed by the region’s rugged coastline, urging residents and visitors to exercise caution when surf advisories are in effect.
A Community Mourns
The deaths of the 7-year-old girl and her father have deeply affected the community and the rescue teams who worked for days in an effort to bring the child home. While the mother and younger sibling continue to recover from the physical and emotional impact of the incident, authorities say the case underscores the importance of respecting ocean conditions, particularly during hazardous weather alerts.
As winter storm systems continue to move across the West Coast, officials say they expect additional periods of dangerous surf in the coming weeks and continue to urge the public to remain vigilant near the water.
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