Two young women from Fremont, California, tragically lost their lives after being swept into the ocean while napping at Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz County.
SANTA CRUZ, CA – A tragic incident occurred on June 10 when two young women from Fremont, California, were swept into the ocean at Bonny Doon Beach in Santa Cruz County. Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, were resting near a coastal formation known as a “keyhole” when rising tides unexpectedly caught them off guard.
The area is notorious for its dangerous and unpredictable tides. Santa Cruz County Volunteer Fire Captain Kyle Breton emphasized the deceptive nature of the keyhole, explaining that the rising water can quickly trap beachgoers. Many visitors pass through this area to access Yellow Bank Beach, only to find themselves in peril as the tide comes in.
Emergency responders were alerted around 5 p.m. after a witness called 911 to report the incident. Multiple agencies quickly mobilized, including eight rescue swimmers who bravely entered the water to search for the two women.
Both Nair and Sran were eventually rescued and brought to shore, where first responders immediately initiated CPR. One of the women was airlifted by a Cal Fire helicopter to a nearby beach before being transported to a hospital. The other was taken to Panther Beach and subsequently transported by ambulance.
Tragically, Nair died shortly after being rescued. Sran remained hospitalized in critical condition but succumbed to her injuries on June 13.
Both women were recent graduates of Washington High School in Fremont, having completed their studies in 2023. Nair was pursuing a degree in legal studies at the University of California, Berkeley, with an anticipated graduation date of 2027. Sran was studying public health at San Jose State University.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by coastal areas, particularly those with unpredictable tides. The community mourns the loss of these promising young women, whose lives were tragically cut short.
According to India-West, the incident highlights the importance of being aware of local conditions when visiting beaches known for their hazards.