Press Release: Multi-Agency Response to Family Swept Into Pacific Ocean, One Dead and 5-Year-Old Missing

DATE/TIME: 11/14/2025 at 6:15 PM

TYPE OF INCIDENT: Multi-Agency Response to Family Swept into Pacific Ocean. One Person Has Died and a 5-Year-Old Child Is Still Missing

LOCATION: Garrapata State Beach, Monterey County, California

MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov

At approximately 12:50 p.m. on Friday November 14th, 2025, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office was made aware of a water rescue incident at Garrapata State Beach located along Highway 1 just north of the Rocky Point Restaurant. An off-duty State Parks Peace Officer/Lifeguard located a family in distress near the water line.

An adult male was attempting to rescue his 5-year-old daughter from the ocean after she was pulled out by waves estimated to be 15-20 feet high. As the father and daughter were swept into the ocean, the mother attempted to reach out to both and was also swept into the water as her husband held on to his daughter’s hand. She was able to get back to shore on her own. A 2-year-old child was unharmed.

The officer was able to pull the father from the water and immediately began rendering CPR. The mother and father were transported to a local hospital where the father was pronounced deceased. The mother was listed in stable condition with mild hypothermia. The 5-year-old child remains missing. She was last seen wearing a red shirt.

Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Bixler assumed command of this incident. Resources from California State Parks, CAL FIRE, US Coast Guard, Monterey County Search and Rescue and helicopters from the US Coast Guard, CHP and US Naval Air Station Lemoore are assisting in the search efforts which are ongoing.