Canadian Father Dies Saving Daughter Swept Away at Garrapata Beach

A family trip to California’s scenic Big Sur coast turned tragic on Friday when a 39-year-old Canadian man died after large waves swept him and his 5-year-old daughter into the ocean at Garrapata State Beach in Monterey County. The child remains missing as officials continue intensive shoreline patrols.

The incident unfolded along Highway 1, a stretch known for its rugged beauty but also notorious for dangerous surf. Authorities said the area was experiencing a massive swell with waves towering up to 20 feet, creating extremely hazardous conditions for anyone near the shoreline.

The young girl was pulled into the Pacific Ocean by a sudden, powerful wave. Her father, identified as Yuji Hu, immediately jumped into the water in a desperate attempt to save her. According to Monterey County Sheriff’s Commander Andres Rosas, Hu managed to reach his daughter and held onto her briefly before both were dragged farther out to sea.

In a frantic effort to help, the girl’s mother also entered the water but was able to fight the current and return safely to shore. The couple’s 2-year-old child, who was on the beach during the incident, was unharmed.

Witnesses and authorities described a chaotic and heartbreaking scene. An off-duty California State Parks lifeguard and a bystander managed to pull Hu from the water and performed CPR until emergency crews arrived. Hu and his wife were rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The mother was treated for mild hypothermia and later discharged.

As the community reels from the tragedy, search teams continue to scour the coastline for any sign of the missing girl. State Parks officials are conducting ongoing shoreline patrols in the coming days, though the strong swell and rough surf have made rescue efforts extremely challenging.

The grieving family has requested privacy and has not provided further comment. Authorities, meanwhile, issued a renewed warning to beachgoers, urging them to remain alert and avoid turning their backs to the ocean—especially during periods of high surf when sneaker waves can strike without warning.

What began as a family outing has become a devastating reminder of the unpredictable and dangerous nature of California’s coastal waters. As search teams push forward, the community holds onto hope while mourning the heroic father who gave his life trying to save his child.