Grandmother Gets Swept into Ocean by Strong Waves at Destination Wedding in Mexico: ‘We All Started Praying’

A Kansas grandmother recently found herself in a life-threatening situation during a destination wedding trip in Mexico. Barbara Prier, along with her family, had travelled to Cabo San Lucas to attend the wedding festivities. On the morning of the wedding day, June 12th, Barbara and her sister decided to take a walk along the beach, stepping away from their group at the pool. Initially, the waves appeared calm to Barbara as they cautiously stayed on the sand away from the water’s edge. However, the peaceful scene quickly turned into chaos as unexpected strong waves hit the shore. “I was walking towards my sister. All of a sudden, it just broke loose, and a couple of the waves came in, one on top of each other,” Barbara shared, recalling the terrifying moment. This sudden turn of events led to her being swept into the ocean, a heart-stopping experience that left her family in shock and fear.

In Mexico, such unexpected and powerful waves are referred to as a “mar de fondo,” known for their deceptive strength that can catch beachgoers by surprise. The Cabo Sun describes these swells as waves that may initially seem harmless but can quickly transform into thundering walls right at the waterline, posing a significant danger to those wading in the water. The mar de fondo season typically runs from May 15th to November 30th, often triggered by tropical systems in the region. Tim Prier, Barbara’s son, vividly remembers the distressing moment when his mother was engulfed by the relentless force of the wave. “She was in the washing machine, so to speak — or the wave — just being pounded over and over and over again,” Tim recalled. However, in a tale of bravery and solidarity, three resort employees and four guests with medical training sprang into action to rescue Barbara. Forming a human chain, they managed to pull her out of the water and administer life-saving CPR on the beach. Tim, who arrived at the scene amidst the chaos, revealed the emotional turmoil of the situation, expressing his desperation through prayer as he faced the possibility of losing his mother.

The aftermath of the incident was equally harrowing as Barbara was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries. Filled with sand and shell fragments in her lungs, she suffered a punctured lung, head trauma, a broken spine, legs, and various other injuries. Following five days of critical care in a Mexican hospital, Barbara was transferred by air ambulance to the University of Kansas Hospital, where medical professionals painted a bleak picture of her prognosis. Recalling the doctor’s sobering words, Barbara shared, “He said, ‘Your mother will never walk again. She’ll never talk again. She won’t be able to feed herself. She won’t be able to dress. She’ll be in a nursing home.’” Despite the grim outlook, Barbara displayed incredible resilience and determination, defying the odds as she embarked on her recovery journey. Overcoming immense challenges, including regaining the ability to walk and speak, Barbara’s progress was nothing short of miraculous, leaving her family and medical staff astounded by her strength and perseverance.

The close-knit bond of the wedding party was evident in the face of adversity, as the groom’s father, a doctor who aided in resuscitating Barbara, kept the near-tragedy a secret to allow the celebrations to proceed smoothly. Reflecting on the decision to continue with the wedding, Barbara explained, “They knew I wouldn’t want the wedding to stop.” This heartwarming gesture encapsulated the spirit of unity and support that prevailed during the challenging time, highlighting the importance of love and companionship in overcoming obstacles. As Barbara’s remarkable recovery continues to inspire those around her, the incident serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of hope in the face of adversity. Amidst the backdrop of a joyous occasion tainted by a moment of peril, Barbara’s journey stands as a testament to courage, faith, and the unwavering strength of familial bonds.