UPDATE: A large-scale search operation is actively underway at Garrapata State Beach in California for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean on September 29, 2023. Tragically, her father died while attempting to rescue her, and her mother has survived the ordeal. The situation is urgent, with multiple agencies working around the clock to locate the missing child.
The incident occurred Friday afternoon when the girl was caught by powerful waves estimated to be between 15 and 20 feet high near the shoreline. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is leading the search, collaborating with resources from Cal Fire, the U.S. Coast Guard, and local search and rescue teams. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to allow first responders to conduct their operations without interruption.
The father heroically tried to save his daughter but was ultimately swept away by the turbulent waters. An off-duty State Parks lifeguard was the first to respond, managing to rescue the father and perform CPR until emergency medical services arrived. While the mother, who also entered the water to assist, returned to shore suffering from mild hypothermia, the father was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. He leaves behind a 2-year-old sibling who was unharmed during the tragic incident.
As the search for the 5-year-old girl continues into Saturday morning, authorities are deploying various assets, including aircraft and boats, to cover a wide area of the ocean. The challenging weather conditions and unpredictable ocean currents are complicating efforts. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has pledged to utilize all available resources to find the missing child.
The local community has been deeply affected by this heartbreaking incident, with many residents expressing support and condolences for the grieving family. Authorities emphasize the importance of remaining vigilant around ocean conditions and the dangers posed by strong waves and currents. The community is rallying in hope for a safe return.
Authorities are appealing to anyone with information about the incident to contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Ongoing updates will be provided as the search progresses and more information becomes available. The commitment of first responders in this situation highlights their bravery and dedication to saving lives in the face of danger.
