California co-eds killed after being swept out to sea by dangerous waves while sleeping
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Two California college students died after strong surf and rising tides swept them into the Pacific Ocean while they were apparently asleep near a well-known but hazardous beach access point, authorities said.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both from Fremont, according to local media reports.

Investigators said the two friends were believed to have been resting near the “Keyhole,” a natural arch that provides access to Yellow Bank Beach, on Wednesday afternoon when the incoming tide surged in and dragged them into the ocean.

“Both of these patients, we believe, were originally sleeping right at the Keyhole, which is an area that we’re finding catches people unaware,” Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Capt. Kyle Breton said in a CAL FIRE video released after the rescue. “The tides come in, and in this case, they swept out two sleeping patients.”

Officials said CAL FIRE SCU Alma Helitack Copter 614 transported one of the victims from the beach up to the bluffs. (Facebook/CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit)

First responders were dispatched to the isolated section of coastline after a witness dialed 911. Authorities said roughly eight rescue swimmers entered the turbulent water during a coordinated response that included CAL FIRE, state lifeguards and local fire agencies.

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.

a sign warning of beach hazards along a roadway near the ocean

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.

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