Dad Dies, 5-Year-Old Daughter Missing After Family Gets Swept into Ocean

A tragic incident at a Monterey County beach has left a father dead and his 5-year-old daughter still missing after powerful waves swept them into the Pacific Ocean on Friday, according to authorities.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to the emergency shortly before 1 p.m. after an off-duty California State Parks officer spotted a family in distress at Garrapata State Beach. The shoreline, located off Highway 1 just north of the Rocky Point Restaurant, is known for its stunning views — and its extremely dangerous surf.

Deputies say the family was near the water when a large wave, estimated at 15 to 20 feet high, suddenly pulled the 5-year-old girl into the ocean. Her father immediately rushed in after her, trying desperately to pull her back to shore.

As the two were swept farther out, the girl’s mother attempted to reach them and was also overtaken by the strong surf. According to deputies, the father was still holding his daughter’s hand as the waves carried them away. The mother managed to fight her way back to land on her own. The couple’s 2-year-old child, who was also at the beach, was not injured.

Rescuers eventually located the father and brought him back to shore, where an officer began CPR on the sand. Both parents were transported to a nearby hospital, but the father was pronounced dead. The mother is reportedly in stable condition and being treated for mild hypothermia.

The search for the missing 5-year-old girl is ongoing. Authorities say she was wearing a red shirt when she was pulled into the water. Her name, along with her father’s, has not yet been released.

Garrapata State Beach has long been considered one of California’s most treacherous coastlines, with powerful surf, steep drop-offs, and unpredictable waves capable of pulling even experienced swimmers out to sea. Officials are urging visitors to use extreme caution near the water, especially during winter and early spring when wave conditions are most hazardous.

Search efforts for the missing child are continuing as the community waits for updates.