Archive · 17 Nov 2025
Canadian Father Dies in Ocean Rescue Attempt; Daughter Still Missing
A Canadian family was at a beach in California when a huge wave pulled the dad's 5-year-old daughter into the ocean.
The brave dad jumped in to save her, but another big wave pulled both of them away from the shore.
The mom also went into the water but managed to get back safely.
Sadly, the dad did not survive.
The little girl is still missing, and rescuers are searching for her.
Officials are warning everyone to be careful at the beach because the ocean can be dangerous with big waves.
A 39-year-old Canadian man, Yuji Hu, died after being swept into the ocean while trying to rescue his 5-year-old daughter.
The daughter was pulled into the Pacific by waves estimated at 15 to 20 feet high at Garrapata State Beach.
The father attempted to save his daughter but was also pulled out to sea; the mother survived after entering the water.
A 2-year-old child who was on the beach remained unharmed.
Search efforts are ongoing for the missing 5-year-old girl, and authorities are warning the public about dangerous ocean conditions.
- Who
- Yuji Hu, a 39-year-old Canadian father, and his 5-year-old daughter
- What
- The father died after being swept into the ocean while attempting to rescue his daughter, who was pulled in by a large wave. The daughter remains missing, while the mother survived.
- When
- Friday, November 17, 2025
- Where
- Garrapata State Beach in Big Sur, California
- Why
- A large wave swept the 5-year-old daughter into the Pacific Ocean, prompting her father to attempt a rescue, during which both were dragged further out to sea by powerful swells.
Search and Rescue Operations
Public Safety Warnings
Efforts to Find Missing Child
Search and Rescue Operations
State Parks officials are continuing shoreline patrols and multi-agency search efforts for the missing 5-year-old girl.
Public Safety Warnings
Authorities are warning beachgoers to remain alert and vigilant near the coastline, especially with large swells, as conditions can become life-threatening quickly.
- Incident Date
- Friday, November 17, 2025
- Location
- Garrapata State Beach, Big Sur, California
- Wave Height
- 15 to 20 feet
- Father's Age
- 39
- Daughter's Age
- 5
- Other Child Present
- 2-year-old, unharmed on beach
- Father's Nationality
- Canadian
