Calgary father and daughter die after powerful wave pulls them into ocean off California coast

Authorities in California say a Calgary resident and his young daughter have died after a large wave swept them into the Pacific Ocean at Garrapata State Beach, an area known for strong surf and steep coastal cliffs. Local officials identified the victims as 39-year-old Yuji Hu and his seven-year-old daughter, who were visiting the Monterey County shoreline with family on Friday.

Investigators say the child was pulled into the water by a wave estimated at about six metres high. Both parents reached toward the girl in an attempt to bring her back to safety but were also carried away by the surge. A bystander and an off-duty California State Parks officer managed to bring Hu to shore and attempted lifesaving measures. He was transported to hospital but did not survive. His wife was able to return to land on her own.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a large search operation was launched to find the missing child, involving the U.S. Coast Guard, state fire crews, divers and aerial support. A diver located the girl’s body on Sunday, roughly 100 metres offshore and less than a kilometre from the point she was last seen.

Officials noted that the family, which includes a two-year-old child who was not physically harmed, has asked for privacy. Local authorities say they delayed publicly confirming the recovery of the girl’s body until all family members had been notified.

Garrapata State Beach, a popular but rugged area along the Big Sur coastline, is marked by high surf conditions and a 15-metre cliff overlooking the water. Canadian visitors are routinely reminded by travel agencies and government advisories to use caution along California’s open-ocean beaches, where unexpected waves and powerful currents are common.