Rescue teams were dispatched to Panther beach in Santa Cruz county, California on 10/6, after reports of two women in their twenties being swept away by waves. Approximately 8 rescuers brought the two individuals to shore.
The victims were then rushed to the hospital for emergency care. The incident occurred as tropical storms in the Pacific caused large waves across California's beaches.
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A helicopter transports a victim to the hospital. *Photo: Santa Cruz County Fire Department*
According to Kyle Breton, captain of the Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Department, the initial cause is believed to be that the victims were sleeping in a "keyhole" area, where tides can rise unexpectedly, often catching people off guard. This is often a small passage leading to the sea, appearing when the tide recedes or the sea is calm.
Breton warned that this area is dangerous, not only causing drownings but also stranding many tourists on the beach whenever the tide rises.
On 15/6, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office announced the two victims, Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, had died.
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Rescuers at the scene of the incident. *Photo: Santa Cruz County Fire Department*
The incident involving the two women being swept away occurred just hours before a mother and two children were swept out to sea in Laguna Beach. Officials stated the family had been caught in a strong rip current. Witnesses rushed into the water and rescued the mother and one child, but the second child, a 5-year-old girl, remained missing a day later. The child's body was found approximately 300 m from Christmas Cove beach.
Hoang Lan (According to Newsnation, People)
