SAN MATEO COUNTY (BCN) – Officials say a mother and her young daughter who drowned after a strong current yanked them into the Pacific Ocean from Montara State Beach on Monday were nearly able to make it back to shore, but the riptide was too powerful.
According to San Mateo County sheriff's Lt. Ray Lunny, 41-year-old Romila Higgins and her daughter, 5-year-old Indali Higgins, arrived at the beach around 3:30 p.m. along with another woman and three other children.
Lunny says Higgins, Indali and another family member were wading about ankle- or shin-deep in the water when they were suddenly pulled under the water and into the sea.
A witness heard them yelling for help and swam toward them with her boogie board to assist.
She used the boogie board to keep Higgins and Indali afloat, but the three were hit by a large wave that knocked them off and pushed the mother and daughter farther out to sea.
After the wave subsided, the boogie boarder found herself close to shore and was pulled from the water by a bystander.
She told officials that she thought Indali was still with her as she reached the shore and had no idea how the child was jerked back out into the sea.
Emergency personnel received word of the incident around 4:20 p.m. and searched the beach and ocean area for the mother and child.
Higgins was located first and a Life Flight helicopter transported her to Stanford Hospital.
The girl was found a quarter mile south of Montara State Beach, unconscious and not breathing. She was also taken to Stanford Hospital.
Both Higgins and her daughter were pronounced dead at the hospital.
(Copyright 2009, Bay City News, All rights reserved.)
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| 7/5/2009 11:54:53 AM
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rohini
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| it is so sad that the mother and daughter was pounce died in the hospital |
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| 7/3/2009 5:37:47 PM
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Anonymous
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| Angie and Indu were close friends to me and my family and we will miss them both dearly |
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| 7/3/2009 4:45:38 PM
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Anonymous
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| 7/3/2009 3:23:57 PM
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Anonymous
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| It breaks our heart when we respond to these tragedies. Life is too precious and nature is so unforgiving. Enjoy the outdoors, but please be mindful of your limitations. May God keep them together in arms of love. Please hug your little ones and stay safe with your loved ones. |
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| 7/3/2009 3:17:31 PM
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SafeBoater
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| This story is so devastating. Please, learn the risks before engaging in any sort of water activity. My condolences go out to their family. If you would like to learn more water safety tips check out http://www.BoatResponsibly.com
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| 7/2/2009 12:04:36 PM
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Anonymous
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| It breaks my heart to hear and read such a sad story that could have been prevented. So sorry for the loss of family and friends. |
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| 7/2/2009 11:59:11 AM
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Anonymous
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| My deepest felt condolences go out to the remaining family members. |
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| 7/2/2009 11:31:01 AM
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Anonymous
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| Unexpected tragedies like this are just awful.I can't imagine the pain their family must be going through. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. |
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| 7/1/2009 9:50:00 PM
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Annalisa Miranda
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| I live in pescadero and I am always very cautious of the ocean water,it is so dangerous. My heart goes out to the higgins family for their loss. I will pray for them. |
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| 7/1/2009 9:15:58 PM
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Anonymous
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| Our deepest sympathy to the family. Our prayers during this most difficult time. God Bless!!! |
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| 6/30/2009 11:48:59 PM
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Michael Anthony
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| Stylist @ MIKA Salon Walnut Creek.
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| So sad for this family. I saw them just the other day at the Salon. She always had a smile, and her kids were always there happy too. To her family, I am sorry for your loss. As a father of 3, my heart goes out to you. |
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| 6/30/2009 8:02:43 PM
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Anonymous
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| I know her and family. My heart is broken!! |
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