Two friends have d!ed after being swept into the ocean at a beach in Santa Cruz County as powerful waves continued to pound the California coastline.
The victims were identified by the local sheriff-coroner’s office as Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both from Fremont. The incident occurred at Bonny Doon Beach last Wednesday.
Nair was studying legal studies at University of California, Berkeley and was expected to graduate in 2027, while Sran was pursuing a public health degree at San José State University with the same graduation year. Both women were graduates of Washington High School in 2023.
The pair were reportedly resting near a keyhole area of the beach, which is known for its dangers, when waves swept them into the sea.
Speaking to The Post on Monday, Nair’s father, Ahock Nair, said he was still struggling to process the loss.
“I have no idea what happened,” he said. “I’m still in shock.”
Several law enforcement agencies responded after a witness called 911 at about 5 p.m. reporting the emergency.
According to Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Captain Kyle Breton, around eight rescue swimmers entered the rough waters in an effort to save the women.
The beach is considered particularly hazardous because of its steep surf line, strong currents and unexpected rogue waves.
“Both of these patients, we believe, were originally sleeping right at the keyhole, which is an area that we’re finding catches people unaware,” Breton said.
After being pulled from the water, one of the women was airlifted to Yellow Bank Beach before being transported to a nearby hospital, Breton added.