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Hiker Dies After Being Swept Out To Sea By Rough Waves

Blue ocean waves. This image does not depict the ocean waves mentioned in story. [Shutterstock 5555-M]

[Shutterstock 5555-M]

Brianna Lyman News and Commentary Writer
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Authorities pulled the body of a hiker out of the Pacific Ocean in northern California after the hiker was swept out to sea by big waves Sunday.

Authorities received a call at around 2:45 p.m. regarding two people in the water just one mile north of Black Sands Beach trailhead, according to the Shelter Cove Fire Department. Shelter Cove Fire sent two rescue and two beach units to the area, among other emergency personnel.

A group of hikers confirmed to authorities that two of their fellow hikers were swept out into the ocean. After the first hiker was swept into the ocean, the second hiker removed their backpack to try to help but was swept out further, according to CBS 13.

The snow-capped peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen in the distance from the affluent community of Rancho Palos Verdes on January 12, 2016, where cliffs hug the coastline with hilltop homes offering ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, south of Los Angeles. (Photo: FREDERIC J BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

The snow-capped peaks of the San Gabriel Mountains can be seen in the distance from the affluent community of Rancho Palos Verdes on January 12, 2016, where cliffs hug the coastline with hilltop homes offering ocean views of the Pacific Ocean, south of Los Angeles. (Photo: FREDERIC J BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

“One patient was actively treading water in the rough waves and one was face down approximately 50-100 yards offshore,” Shelter Cove Fire Department said in a statement. (RELATED: Woman Found Dead After Going On Hike Alone)

A boat and a jet ski from the marina were immediately deployed to help the two hikers who were in “15-20 foot swells and whitecaps.”

Authorities brought both hikers back to the marina and the conscious hiker was taken to an ambulance and treated by Emergency Medical Technicians, according to the fire department. That hiker was then transferred to a hospital for additional treatment and the status of their medical condition is unknown. Paramedics declared the other hiker dead on scene.

Authorities are investigating the incident.

The fire department warned “individuals to respect the ocean.”

“Do not swim or go near the water in unknown terrain. Never turn your back on the ocean,” the department added.