Hiker dies after being swept into the ocean by huge waves, California officials say

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story gave an incorrect location for Shelter Cove.

A hiker in California died after being swept into the ocean by waves that were 15 to 20 feet tall, the Shelter Cove Fire Department said in a Facebook post on May 29. Another hiker was taken to a hospital in stable condition, officials said.

According to Redheaded Blackbelt, a person who was hiking near Black Sands Beach was swept into the water by a wave. Another hiker attempted to help them and was also pulled into the water.

Crews in a rescue boat and rescue ski were able to recover both hikers, but pronounced one of them dead soon after, according to the post.

The medical status of the surviving hiker is currently unknown, SFGATE reported on May 30.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation warns that not all beaches along the coastline are recommended for swimming or wading. According to the agency’s website, “[t]he very things that make these areas such spectacular places to look at and enjoy can be lethal to those caught unaware along the shoreline.

The agency recommends that people only swim or wade in designated areas, and that they wear life jackets for activities like boating and swimming, according to the website.

Shelter Cove is in northern California, about 90 miles south of Eureka.

This story was originally published May 30, 2022 at 4:15 PM with the headline "Hiker dies after being swept into the ocean by huge waves, California officials say."