A Canadian family’s coastal vacation turned into an unthinkable tragedy when massive 20-foot waves claimed the lives of a devoted father and his young daughter, highlighting the deadly power of California’s unpredictable Pacific waters.
Story Overview
- Yuji Hu, 39, and his 7-year-old daughter died after being swept into the Pacific Ocean by a massive wave.
- The family from Calgary, Alberta, was visiting near the Rocky Point Restaurant in Monterey County when tragedy struck.
- A heroic mother’s attempt to save her family resulted in her own rescue, while a 2-year-old remained safely on shore.
- Search and rescue operations recovered both victims, with the child found 100 yards offshore days later.
Massive Wave Strikes Family Without Warning
The Hu family was enjoying what should have been a peaceful afternoon near Monterey County’s Rocky Point Restaurant when nature unleashed its fury. Just before 1 p.m., a towering 15-to-20-foot wave crashed onto the shore, instantly sweeping Yuji Hu and his 7-year-old daughter into the churning Pacific Ocean. The massive wall of water struck with such force that it left no time for escape or preparation.
A 39-year-old father and his 7-year-old daughter were found dead after a large wave pulled them into the ocean in Monterey County, California, authorities said.
The age of the girl was originally reported by officials as 5 years old.
Read more: https://t.co/yvuaifJ8LW pic.twitter.com/g7o4Wmkyu7
— ABC News (@ABC) November 17, 2025
Mother’s Desperate Rescue Attempt Ends in Survival
When the wave claimed her husband and daughter, the mother immediately sprang into action, attempting to reach them in the violent waters. The ocean’s powerful currents swept her into the surf as well, creating a nightmare scenario for the Canadian family.
Despite the treacherous conditions, she managed to fight her way back to shore, where their 2-year-old child waited unharmed. Her survival instincts and determination likely saved her life while her family faced the ocean’s relentless power.
Father Dies Despite Heroic Rescue Efforts
Emergency responders quickly mobilized when reports of the wave strike reached authorities. Rescuers successfully pulled Yuji Hu from the ocean and immediately began CPR, fighting to save the 39-year-old father’s life.
Despite their valiant efforts, the Calgary resident was transported to a local hospital where medical professionals declared him dead. His final moments were spent protecting his young daughter, demonstrating the selfless love that defines devoted fathers across America.
Extensive Search Ends in Heartbreak
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team launched an intensive operation to locate the missing 7-year-old girl. For two days, dedicated searchers combed the coastal waters, refusing to give up hope.
On Sunday afternoon, a diver discovered the child’s body approximately 100 yards offshore, roughly half a mile north of where she was last seen. The recovery brought closure to a family shattered by an unimaginable loss that no parent should ever endure.
