A tragic story played out on this Pacific beach in northern California.

Two parents are dead and their teenage son is missing after they were swept into the Pacific Ocean while trying to rescue their family dog.

The 16-year-old went into the ocean after his dog was pulled under by the heavy surf in the town of Trinidad.

The man, believed to be his father, went in after him, but never returned.

The teenager then came out, but went in a second time with his mother to look for his father.

Rescuers found the man and woman's bodies when they washed ashore.

The teenager is still missing - while the dog returned safely to shore.