In a harrowing incident at Half Moon Bay, a 54-year-old man was swept into the ocean along with a 5-year-old girl on Saturday afternoon. As a result, a frantic search by air and boat crews was launched by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The young girl was successfully recovered at Martin's Beach by San Mateo County Fire personnel and promptly taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation. However, as of Sunday morning, the man remained missing, and the Coast Guard continued its search efforts.

The National Weather Service had issued a warning over the weekend, cautioning that a wide stretch of the California coast, spanning from Point Reyes to Big Sur, was at heightened risk of "sneaker waves." These waves have the unpredictability of striking beaches without any prior notice, posing danger to individuals by pulling them into the treacherous sea. Moreover, these waves can also displace heavy objects such as logs, potentially crushing unsuspecting individuals. The advisory strongly urged everyone to refrain from venturing into the ocean and highlighted the risk of being pulled into the water from jetties, rocks, and beaches.

The U.S. Coast Guard promptly initiated their search operation upon receiving the report of the incident at 1:20 p.m. on Saturday. A 47-foot motor lifeboat and a helicopter were deployed to the area to comb the waters, while an 87-foot patrol boat was dispatched to Half Moon Bay later that evening, indicating the severity and urgency of the situation.

At present, there is no information available regarding the condition of the rescued girl. The search for the missing man continues, with authorities tirelessly combing the area for any signs of his whereabouts. The Coast Guard, along with local authorities, is working diligently to bring closure to this distressing incident as the community anxiously awaits further updates.

As the search efforts persist, it serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and often treacherous nature of the ocean. It is vital for beachgoers to heed advisories and exercise caution, always prioritizing their safety when enjoying the beautiful coastal areas.