California Woman’s Fortunate Escape After Powerful Wave Pulls Her Out to Sea
A 47-year-old woman has recounted a harrowing experience of being swept into the ocean by a powerful sneaker wave, describing the moment as being “swallowed” by the sea. Bae Cadotte was on a beach near Pacifica Pier on Tuesday when the unexpected surge of water overwhelmed her, pulling her out approximately 30 feet from the shore. Onlookers quickly responded, ultimately rescuing her from the dangerous tides.
Footage captured by a webcam vividly illustrates the force of the wave as it knocked Cadotte off her feet. “It just swallowed me,” Cadotte told ABC News, recounting her immediate fear. “I knew at that point she came in – I was going in. She’s going to get me. No way I’m getting out of this.” She described the sensation of being caught in the water as feeling “like I was tumbling in a washing machine.”
Cadotte explained that she chose not to fight the strong current, realizing the futility of resisting such a powerful force. “I just went with it,” she stated. “I didn’t try to fight it – there’s no point in fighting a sneaker wave.” During those few minutes in the water, she closed her eyes and offered a prayer, saying, “God, if this is your will, I understand, but please don’t let me leave my son.”
Community Efforts Lead to Swift Rescue
Nearby anglers, witnessing the perilous situation, acted swiftly by throwing Cadotte a rope and working together to pull her back to safety on the shore. She expressed her gratitude to her rescuers, telling them, “Thanks for risking your life to save mine.” Emergency services were alerted and arrived shortly after. Cadotte was transported to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she received treatment for hypothermia and what medical professionals termed “ocean whiplash.” She is currently recovering at home.
Activist’s Plea for Pacifica Pier
Cadotte is also a vocal advocate for the preservation of the Pacifica Pier, which has been closed due to extensive damage and structural deterioration. She believes her recent ordeal underscores the importance of the pier, particularly for those who rely on it for fishing and crabbing.
“Today was a close call, and this made me realize that yes the Pier does SAVE lives! Especially the lives of those who go out on the surf for fishing and crabbing,” Cadotte wrote on a Facebook group. “Oh our ocean… she is not forgiving.” She highlighted the strong sense of community and camaraderie among those who frequent the pier for shared activities and memory-making.
Regarding the pier’s future, Cadotte expressed hope for solutions that would allow for its rebuilding, reuse, and renewal, describing it as a “hidden gem” and a “truly beautiful place that brings people far and wide, rain or shine together.”
An update posted on Facebook on Wednesday indicated that Cadotte was expected to be discharged from the hospital within a few days. Reflecting on the raw power of the ocean, she added, “The pier saves lives sneaker waves take lives. The ocean is not our friend. She is indifferent. She is respected and beautiful and fierce.”
