Two young college students lost their lives after powerful waves swept them into the Pacific Ocean while they slept near a dangerous coastal access point in Santa Cruz County, California. The victims, both 21 and 20 years old, were caught off guard by rising tides at a location that has claimed multiple victims in recent weeks.

Sleeping Students Caught By Incoming Tide

Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both from Fremont, were believed to be napping near the Keyhole on Wednesday afternoon when incoming tides pulled them into the water. The Keyhole is a natural archway that provides access to Yellow Bank Beach, an area known for catching people unaware. Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Captain Kyle Breton confirmed that both women were sleeping at this exact location when the tides came in and swept them out to sea without warning.

A witness called 911 after seeing the incident unfold. Emergency crews launched a massive multi-agency rescue operation involving CAL FIRE, state lifeguards, and local fire departments. Eight rescue swimmers entered the rough surf to search for the victims. One woman was pulled from the water at Panther Beach, where crews immediately began life-saving efforts. The second victim was located farther down the shoreline and airlifted from Yellow Bank Beach by helicopter while receiving CPR. Both women were transported to hospitals but died from their injuries.

Recent Graduates With Bright Futures

Nair was studying legal studies at the University of California, Berkeley, while Sran pursued a public health degree at San Jose State University. Both women graduated from Washington High School in Fremont in 2023 and were expected to complete their college degrees in 2027. Nair’s father expressed his shock and disbelief to reporters. The families are now grieving the sudden loss of two promising young women whose lives were cut tragically short.

Dangerous Coastline Claims Multiple Victims

The tragedy occurred along a notoriously hazardous stretch of Santa Cruz County coastline known for steep surf, strong currents, and sneaker waves that surge far beyond the waterline with little warning. Officials revealed that Wednesday’s incident marked the fifth water rescue in the past month along just one mile of coastline between Yellow Bank Beach and Bonny Doon Beach. The deaths coincided with powerful surf and dangerous ocean conditions battering California’s coast. Forecasters had warned of strong rip currents and large waves generated by a long-period southern swell, conditions that have contributed to increased water rescues statewide. Authorities continue to warn beachgoers about the extreme dangers of this particular coastal area.