PACIFICA, Calif. — A Northern California fisherwoman says she’s “lucky to be alive” after being swept into the ocean by a sneaker wave this week during dangerous surf conditions.<\/p>\n
Bae Cadotte was fishing along the beach south of Pacifica Pier when the unexpected wave struck.<\/p>\n
“It felt like I was tumbling in a washing machine,” Cadotte said.<\/p>\n
The 47-year-old described the moment as happening in an instant.<\/p>\n
“It just swallowed me,” she said. “I knew at that point she came- I was going in. She’s going to get me. No way I’m getting out of this.”<\/p>\n
A webcam captured the Tuesday incident, showing Cadotte being hit by the wave and pulled into the surf. Despite the chaos, she said she tried not to panic.<\/p>\n
“So I just went with it,” Cadotte said. “I didn’t try to fight it- there’s no point in fighting a sneaker wave.”<\/p>\n
Cadotte estimates she was dragged roughly 30 feet from shore and feared she might not survive.<\/p>\n
“I closed my eyes, I said a prayer- God, if this is your will, I understand, but please don’t let me leave my son,” she said.<\/p>\n
After several minutes in the water, Cadotte resurfaced. Fellow anglers nearby rushed to help, throwing a rope and pulling her back to shore.<\/p>\n
“Thanks for risking your life to save mine,” she told them afterward.<\/p>\n
First responders arrived shortly after and transported Cadotte to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, where she was treated for hypothermia.<\/p>\n
She is now recovering at home.<\/p>\n
Her close call comes during a week of hazardous coastal conditions.<\/p>\n
A beach hazard statement has been in effect across much of the Bay Area, warning of large swells and the risk of sneaker waves.<\/p>\n
Similar rescues have been reported in recent days.<\/p>\n