Woman swept to sea by rogue wave in Humboldt County

A woman was swept out to sea Sunday while walking on a Northern California beach with her friend and her dog.

The 32-year-old woman was overpowered  by a rogue wave near Shelter Cove in Humboldt County, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

The woman’s friend called the Coast Guard, which dispatched a helicopter that located the woman’s body within minutes.

Four other people have been washed out to sea by so-called "sleeper waves" in the area, especially hazardous during winter. In all instances, the people drowned while trying to rescue their dogs.

In November, three family members drowned in rough surf while trying to save their dog at a beach near Arcata.

On New Year’s Day, a man and his wife walking their dog on the beach near Point Reyes in Marin County were hit by a wave, which took their dog.

The man was swept away as the couple attempted to rescue the animal.

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--Julie Cart