Calgary Father Dies, Daughter Missing After California Wave Sweeps Them Away
In a tragic incident at Garrapata State Beach in California, a Calgary father has died, and his five-year-old daughter is currently missing. The event unfolded last Friday when 39-year-old Yuji Hu was on the beach with his family.
Incident Details
According to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, an approximately six-meter wave struck the shoreline, sweeping Hu’s daughter into the Pacific Ocean. As Hu and his wife attempted to rescue their daughter, they were also pulled into the water.
Rescue Efforts
A nearby beach visitor, along with an off-duty California park officer, managed to pull Yuji Hu from the ocean. Resuscitation efforts were promptly initiated, but sadly, Hu was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His wife was treated for mild hypothermia after she managed to reach the beach independently.
Search for Missing Daughter
Efforts to locate the couple’s missing five-year-old daughter are ongoing. Fortunately, their two-year-old child was unharmed during the tragic event. The sheriff’s office indicated the missing girl was last seen wearing a white shirt.
Search Operation Details
- The search operation began with a command post set up on Saturday from sunrise to sunset.
- Involved agencies included the U.S. Coast Guard, California’s fire service, and divers, supported by helicopter surveillance.
- On Sunday, California State Parks continued to have personnel at the scene to conduct shoreline searches on foot.
About Garrapata State Beach
Garrapata State Beach is known for its picturesque scenery, featuring two beach fronts and cliffs that rise 15 meters above the Monterey coast. These cliffs contribute to the natural beauty but can also pose dangers to beachgoers.
A spokesperson for the Hu family has requested privacy during this challenging period as they navigate the aftermath of this heartbreaking event.
