SANTA CRUZ, CA – A tragic incident at Panther Beach has left one woman dead and another fighting for her life after both were swept out to sea by massive ocean swells.
Caught Off Guard by Rising Tides
The incident occurred just after 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. According to the Santa Cruz Fire Department and California State Parks, two women in their 20s were reportedly sleeping near the beach’s “keyhole” structure when a powerful wave pulled them into the ocean.
The “keyhole” is a well-known rock opening that provides access to a smaller stretch of sand, but it quickly becomes hazardous and traps visitors when high tides roll in.
Dramatic Cliffside Rescue
Approximately eight rescue swimmers deployed into the dangerous surf to locate the victims. Rescuers pulled one woman to Panther Beach and the other to neighboring Yellow Bank Beach.
Emergency crews used a Stokes basket to hoist one victim up the rugged cliffs, while the second victim was airlifted up the cliffside. Both were rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
On Friday, June 12, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one of the women has succumbed to her injuries, while the second remains in critical condition. Authorities have not yet released their identities.
Statewide Beach Hazards
The tragedy comes as tropical storms in the Pacific Ocean continue to push historic, dangerous swells across the California coastline. Just hours after the Santa Cruz incident, a similar tragedy occurred in Laguna Beach, where a 5-year-old girl lost her life after a family was swept into powerful currents.
Local officials are urging beachgoers to remain highly vigilant, check tide schedules, and never turn their backs on the ocean.
