A fisherwoman has sustained minor injuries after being swept into the ocean by unexpected waves at Pacifica Beach in California. The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, 16 June, involved Bae Cadotte being pulled into the surf for several minutes before being rescued by fellow fishermen.
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Cadotte was fishing from the beach due to the closure of the Pacifica Municipal Pier, which shut down last week amid concerns over structural integrity. Witnesses reported that she was standing ankle-deep in water when a large wave caught her by surprise, quickly dragging her into the ocean. Speaking to the media from her hospital bed, Cadotte recounted the moment, saying, “I knew at that moment it was going to take me. It took me and swallowed me up very easily.”
During her ordeal, Cadotte managed to free herself from her fishing waders, which were at risk of filling with water. Fortunately, a group of fishermen nearby utilised a rope to assist in her retrieval. One rescuer, who preferred to remain anonymous, recalled the gravity of the situation, stating, “I could have died, but I saved a life.”
Emergency services arrived shortly after Cadotte was brought back to shore, and she was subsequently treated for a condition described as “ocean whiplash.” Although her injuries were characterised as minor, she was placed in a sling for support. Initial CT scans indicated that she did not suffer any major internal injuries, offering some relief to her family and friends.
Cadotte’s experience has raised awareness about the dangers of so-called ‘sneaker waves’, which can occur without warning and pose a significant risk to beachgoers. Following her rescue, Cadotte took to social media to highlight the lesson learned from her harrowing incident, stating, “The pier saves lives, sneaker waves take lives. The ocean is not our friend.”
Just prior to her accident, Cadotte had been actively advocating for the urgent repair of the nearby Pacifica Municipal Pier, which serves as a vital community hub. The pier and the adjacent Chit Chat Café were both closed after a structural crack was identified, prompting concerns about safety. Congressman Sam Liccardo held a press conference near the site shortly after Cadotte’s incident, calling for immediate federal support and a state of emergency declaration for Pacifica.
During this press event, Cadotte expressed her personal connection to the pier, describing it as much more than a structure: “She’s a home, she’s a gate that unlocks many doors for many people. For me, she’s a memory that holds one of my family members that have gone away.” She fondly remembered spending mornings with her son at the Chit Chat Café, which she described as a safe haven for many residents.
In a previous Facebook post, Cadotte disclosed that she had experienced another close encounter with the ocean just days before. Reflecting on this prior scare, she noted, “Today I got swept by a current from the wave. Luckily, the waves were not that high, and I was able to prevent myself from going out deep into the water.”
Despite this unnerving experience, Cadotte remains undaunted in her passion for fishing and has stated her intent to continue the activity while considering greater safety measures in the future. “This is our life,” she explained. “We do this for food. This is for survival.”
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean and the inherent risks associated with fishing from the shoreline. As local officials work towards repairing the pier, community members are urged to exercise caution while enjoying the natural beauty of Pacifica Beach.