
Two Indian-origin college students from California died after being swept into the ocean by rising tides near a dangerous stretch of coastline in Santa Cruz County. Authorities identified the victims as Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, both residents of
Fremont, California.
The friends were reportedly resting near a rock formation known as the “Keyhole,” located between Bonny Doon and Panther Beach, when rapidly rising waters pulled them into the sea on June 10.
Emergency services were alerted after receiving a call about two people struggling in the surf.
Rescue swimmers, firefighters and California State Parks personnel launched a major operation to reach the students. One of them was airlifted from the beach, while the other was carried to safety by rescue crews.
Despite their efforts, Nair died shortly after being rescued. Sran remained under treatment but succumbed to her injuries several days later.
The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers of the Keyhole area, a narrow rock passage used to access nearby beaches.
The spot can quickly become hazardous when tides rise, often trapping visitors who are unfamiliar with the coastline.
Officials said the area has been the site of several rescue operations in recent weeks.
Nair was studying legal studies at the University of California, Berkeley, while Sran was pursuing a public health degree at San José State University.
Both were graduates of Washington High School and were remembered by friends and classmates as ambitious young women with bright futures.
The incident occurred amid dangerous ocean conditions along the California coast. Authorities had warned beachgoers about strong rip currents, sneaker waves and unusually high tides.
Officials urged visitors to check tide forecasts before heading to the beach, avoid isolated rock formations and remain alert to sudden changes in surf conditions.
The deaths have left the families and communities of the two students devastated.
Nair’s father said the family remained in shock and was struggling to come to terms with the loss of two young women at the beginning of their promising careers.