Two Bay Area College Students Die in Santa Cruz Beach Incident
The victims were identified as Mahial Sran, 20, a San Jose State University student, and Harshita Nair, a UC Berkeley student. Both were swept into the ocean and later died.
Rescue Efforts
Santa Cruz County Fire Capt. Kyle Breton stated that eight rescue swimmers were deployed, and individuals on the banks assisted in locating the victims. Both Sran and Nair were brought to shore but later died.
Circumstances
Initial reports suggested the victims may have been sleeping when pulled into the water, but a witness refuted this. Sran's father noted that his daughter's bag and phone were dry, leading him to believe they were near the water and struck by a wave. Breton cited changing tide conditions as a possible factor, describing how the "keyhole" at Panther and Yellow Bank Beach becomes inaccessible during high tide, stranding beachgoers. He also mentioned a sneaker wave may have been responsible.
Statements
"She was deeply committed to helping others, particularly marginalized communities of color," said UC Berkeley Student Body President Abigail Verino of Nair, adding that she embodied community engagement.
Warnings
Authorities urged caution, noting a Beach Hazard Statement remains in effect. Breton reported that five rescues have occurred in a one-mile stretch of beach over the past month, compared to six to eight annually along that section.