A five-year-old Canadian girl remained missing Sunday after her father died trying to rescue her from powerful surf along California’s Big Sur coastline.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim as 39-year-old Yuji Hu of Calgary.

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According to officials, the family was visiting Garrapata State Beach on Friday when a rogue wave—estimated between 15 and 20 feet (4.5 to 6 metres)—surged unexpectedly, sweeping the child into the ocean shortly before 1 p.m.

Hu entered the water in an attempt to reach his daughter but was quickly overtaken by the heavy surf. The girl’s mother also entered the water and was pulled in, though she was able to return to shore.

An off-duty State Park Peace Officer Lifeguard, Sean Nowland, witnessed the crisis and entered the w

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