The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean by waves estimated at 15–20 feet at Garrapata State Beach on Nov. 14. Her father entered the water to rescue her and was later pulled from the surf and pronounced dead at a hospital; the mother is in stable condition with mild hypothermia. A 2-year-old in the family was unharmed. Search-and-rescue operations resumed Nov. 15 with multiple agencies and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter after searches were suspended overnight due to weather and darkness.
Father Dies Trying to Rescue 5-Year-Old Swept Out by 15–20 ft Waves at Garrapata State Beach — Search Continues
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office is searching for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the ocean by waves estimated at 15–20 feet at Garrapata State Beach on Nov. 14. Her father entered the water to rescue her and was later pulled from the surf and pronounced dead at a hospital; the mother is in stable condition with mild hypothermia. A 2-year-old in the family was unharmed. Search-and-rescue operations resumed Nov. 15 with multiple agencies and a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter after searches were suspended overnight due to weather and darkness.
01:15 PM, 11/16/2025Society
Search ongoing after child swept out to sea; father dies attempting rescue
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) confirmed authorities are continuing the search for a 5-year-old girl who was swept into the Pacific Ocean at Garrapata State Beach, California, after a large wave struck shortly before 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 14.
According to the MCSO, waves in the area were estimated at 15–20 feet. The child was reportedly pulled into the surf by a large wave. Her father entered the water to try to reach her and managed to grab her hand, but both were swept away by powerful currents. The mother attempted to reach them as well.
What happened on the beach
A lifeguard who arrived on scene reported finding the family in distress near the waterline. The mother was able to make it back to shore on her own. A 2-year-old child who was with the family was unharmed.
An on-scene deputy pulled the father from the water and immediately began rendering CPR. Both parents were transported to a nearby hospital; the father was later pronounced deceased. The mother was treated for mild hypothermia and is reported in stable condition.
MCSO: "The 5-year-old child remains missing. Information provided confirms that the child was last seen wearing a white shirt."
Search-and-rescue efforts
Multiple agencies joined the search, which was temporarily suspended at 9 p.m. Friday due to worsening weather and poor lighting. Operations resumed Saturday, Nov. 15, and included deployment of a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter to assist Monterey County teams. Photos shared by the sheriff's office show briefings and shoreline searches by crews in high-visibility jackets and a helicopter overhead.
The MCSO asked motorists along Highway 1 not to stop at Garrapata State Beach so search-and-rescue crews could operate without obstruction.
Safety and weather
The National Weather Service had issued a beach hazards warning in effect through Nov. 14, advising beachgoers to be alert for unexpected, large waves and dangerous surf conditions. Authorities urge the public to stay clear of hazardous shorelines and to follow local warnings and lifeguard instructions.
Authorities continue to seek any information from the public that might assist the search. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Monterey County Sheriff's Office.