Three family members die as wave sweeps them off rocks and into ocean, CA officials say

Three family members died Thursday after they were swept off the rocks and into the Pacific Ocean during a fishing outing, California officials said.

Eight family members were fishing along Pacific Coast Highway when three of them were washed into the ocean by a wave, according to the Los Angeles Times. Officials with the Ventura County Fire Department frantically searched the water and found those who’d been swept away.

“When we got on scene we were able to do a rapid search of the water, and we were able to rescue all three out of the water,” Fire Department Captain Brian McGrath said in a video posted to Twitter. “However, they were fatally injured.”

The victims were a husband, wife and grandmother, according to ABC 7. There names have not been released.

Ventura County Sheriff’s Capt. Eric Buschow told the Times he believes a large wave crashed where the family was fishing and dragged the victims into the ocean.

“Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous place because it is very rocky and the beach and sand slopes straight down,” Buschow told the news outlet. “Things can look very calm one moment, but every once in a while you can have a large wave that can crash down upon you.”

Officials told ABC 7 that the tragedy serves as a reminder to stay safe near the ocean.

“The ocean is unpredictable,” Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Chris Dyer told ABC 7. “You always have to have good water safety, keep an eye on the ocean when you’re doing stuff, but accidents do happen.”