Multi-Agency Search Efforts Continue for 5-Year-Old Girl Still Missing After Family was Swept into the Water by Large Wave Along the Big Sur Coast 

November 16, 2025 – Monterey County Sheriff’s Office officials have identified the father who died after attempting to rescue his 5-year-old daughter when both were pulled into the ocean by a large wave at Garrapata State Beach.

Related: California State Parks, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Continue Search for Missing 5-year-old Swept into Ocean at Garrapata State Park

Related: Father Drowns and 5-Year-Old Daughter Missing After Wave Pulls Family into the Ocean Near Big Sur

On Friday, November 14, 2025, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a water rescue incident at Garrapata State Beach, located along Highway 1 just north of the Rocky Point Restaurant.

39-year-old Yuji Hu, of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, entered the water in an effort to save his 5-year-old daughter after she was swept off the shoreline by waves estimated to be 15–20 feet high. As Hu reached for his daughter, both were pulled farther into the ocean. The child’s mother attempted to assist but was also swept into the water. She was ultimately able to make it back to shore. A 2-year-old child who was present was unharmed.

A beach visitor and an off-duty California State Parks Officer were able to pull Hu from the water and immediately began CPR. The mother and Hu were transported to a local hospital, where Hu was later pronounced deceased. The mother was last listed in stable condition with mild hypothermia. The 5-year-old child remains missing. Information provided indicates the child was last seen wearing a white shirt.

Large-scale search efforts resumed at sunrise on Saturday, November 15, and continued through sunset. A Unified Command was established, led by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from California State Parks, CAL FIRE, the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey County Search and Rescue, and Rescue Divers from California State Parks. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter also supported the operation.

Large-scale search operations have now been suspended. On Sunday, November 16, California State Parks will maintain personnel on scene at Garrapata State Beach to continue shoreline and accessible-area searches on foot.

A spokesperson for the family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the family does not wish to issue any public statement.

Source & photos: Monterey County Sheriff’s Office