In a tragic incident in California, two college students lost their lives after being swept into the Pacific Ocean by rising tides and strong surf. The incident occurred while they were apparently resting near a well-known yet hazardous beach access point, as confirmed by local authorities.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both residents of Fremont, according to reports from local news sources.
Authorities believe the two friends were napping close to the “Keyhole,” a natural archway that leads to Yellow Bank Beach. On Wednesday afternoon, the rising tides unexpectedly pulled them into the ocean.
“We suspect that both individuals were asleep near the Keyhole, a location known for catching people off guard,” Captain Kyle Breton of the Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Department stated in a CAL FIRE video following the rescue operation. “The tides came in, and tragically, they swept away two individuals who were asleep at the time.”
Officials reported that the CAL FIRE SCU Alma Helitack Copter 614 was used to airlift one of the victims from the beach up to the bluffs. (Source: Facebook/CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit)
Emergency crews rushed to the remote stretch of coastline after a witness called 911. About eight rescue swimmers entered the rough surf as part of a multi-agency rescue effort involving CAL FIRE, state lifeguards and local fire departments, officials said.
One woman was pulled ashore at Panther Beach, where rescuers immediately began life-saving efforts. The second was located farther down the shoreline and airlifted from Yellow Bank Beach by a CAL FIRE helicopter while CPR was underway, according to first responders.
About eight rescue swimmers entered the rough surf as part of a multi-agency rescue effort involving CAL FIRE, state lifeguards and local fire departments, officials said. (Facebook/CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit)
Both women were rushed to hospitals but were later pronounced dead, KSBW reported.
Nair was a legal studies major at the University of California, Berkeley, while Sran studied public health at San José State University. Both women graduated from Fremont’s Washington High School in 2023 and were expected to complete their degrees in 2027, according to the New York Post.
“I have no idea what happened,” Nair’s father, Ahock Nair, told the Post. “I’m still in shock.”
Members of the agencies involved in the water rescue are seen gathered afterwards for an after-action review. (Facebook/CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit)
The tragedy unfolded along a notoriously hazardous stretch of Santa Cruz County coastline known for steep surf, strong currents and so-called “sneaker waves” that can surge far beyond the waterline with little warning.
Officials said Wednesday’s rescue was the fifth water rescue in the past month along the one-mile stretch between Yellow Bank Beach and Bonny Doon Beach.
Authorities said that law enforcement and fire crews have responded to an increased number of water rescues over the past few weeks. (Facebook/Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office)
The deaths also came as powerful surf and dangerous ocean conditions battered California’s coastline. Forecasters had warned of strong rip currents and large waves generated by a long-period southern swell, conditions that officials say have contributed to a rise in water rescues across the state.
<!–>
