Panther Beach has already been the scene of one ocean tragedy this year. Photo: Evan Quarnstrom
Rescue swimmers pulled two people out of the ocean at Panther Beach on the north coast of Santa Cruz County on Tuesday, September 29.
According to independent reporter Chris Cerney, the victims were brought to shore without a pulse, but resuscitated on the beach and transferred to intensive care units. One of the victims was able to speak, a good indication that they could pull through. The victims were fishing when swept into the water, and no further updates have been provided on their status.
A similar incident that occurred at Panther Beach in June did not have a happy ending. Two college students, identified as Mahial Sran of San Jose State University and Harshita Nair of UC Berkeley, were swept into the rough ocean and then pulled out and pronounced deceased days later in intensive care units.
During the most recent incident at Panther Beach, “Rescue swimmers from the Santa Cruz Fire Department and California State Parks Public Safety helped bring both people out of the water, and responders provided resuscitation efforts on the beach,” Cal Fire said in a statement. “A Cal Fire Fire Hawk helicopter then helped lift the patients up the steep cliff so they could receive further medical care.”
A blend of several swells on Tuesday created hazardous swimming conditions. Mid-period swell mixed with a larger short period swell and a moderate, steep south swell from Hurricane Polo Tuesday were hitting the Northern California coast. Panther Beach, outside of Monterey Bay, receives stronger swells than Santa Cruz breaks inside the bay. The beach is known for its arch entrance, which can become precarious at high tide.
“Please remember to never turn your back on the ocean,” Cal Fire warned. “Waves and currents can change quickly, especially near rocks and cliffs. Stay well back from the water’s edge, watch conditions carefully, and follow posted warnings and safety guidance whenever you’re near the coast.”
