UPDATE: A massive search operation is currently underway at Garrapata State Beach in California for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean on Friday afternoon. Tragically, her father lost his life in a heroic attempt to rescue her, while her mother survived but is hospitalized.
The incident unfolded around Friday afternoon as the child was caught by powerful waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet near the shoreline. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search, collaborating with the U.S. Coast Guard, Cal Fire, and local search teams to locate the missing child.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid stopping at Garrapata State Beach along Highway 1 to facilitate uninterrupted rescue efforts. The situation is urgent, and the cooperation of the community is crucial for the ongoing search.
Initial reports indicate that an off-duty lifeguard was the first to respond to the family’s distress. He witnessed the father struggling in the water and managed to pull him to safety, administering CPR until emergency services arrived. The mother, who entered the water to help, returned to shore with mild hypothermia. Both parents were taken to a local hospital, where the father was later pronounced dead. The mother is reported to be in stable condition.
As the search continues into Saturday morning, agencies are utilizing aircraft and watercraft to cover a broad area of the ocean, facing challenging weather conditions and unpredictable currents. The focus remains on finding the 5-year-old girl, as the local community rallies in support of the grieving family.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the inherent dangers of the ocean and the bravery of first responders who risk their lives to save others. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is committed to using all available resources to locate the child.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, as the investigation is ongoing. The community remains hopeful for a safe return, while condolences pour in for the grieving family.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
