UPDATE: A large-scale and urgent search operation is currently underway at Garrapata State Beach in California for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean by powerful waves. Tragically, her father lost his life attempting to rescue her, while her mother survived but is receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident unfolded on Friday, October 20, 2023, when the child was caught by waves estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet high. As search efforts continue, authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to ensure uninterrupted rescue operations.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, California State Parks, and Cal Fire. Since the search began, teams have been utilizing aircraft and watercraft to cover a broad area of the ocean, focusing on the coastal region where the child was last seen.
Initial reports indicate that an off-duty State Parks lifeguard was the first to arrive on the scene. He witnessed the father struggling in the water and managed to pull him to safety, performing CPR until emergency services arrived. While the mother successfully returned to shore, she is being treated for mild hypothermia. Both parents were transported to the hospital, where the father was later pronounced dead. Fortunately, the couple’s 2-year-old sibling was unharmed during the incident.
The circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking event have deeply impacted the local community, with many residents expressing their condolences and support for the grieving family. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has committed all available resources to find the missing child, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.
The search faces challenges due to unpredictable ocean currents and adverse weather conditions, complicating rescue efforts. Officials continue to stress the importance of caution around ocean areas, especially those with strong waves and currents.
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. As of now, the community is holding onto hope for a positive outcome and praying for the safe return of the missing child.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
