Coast Guard Suspends Search For Woman Swept Out To Sea At Santa Cruz Beach

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a 24-year-old woman who was swept out to sea Sunday night after rising tides trapped her and three friends near Panther State Beach.

Se Nah Park was last seen in the water at approximately 8:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Coast Guard. The agency received notification of a person in the water from Santa Cruz Fire Department personnel at 9:38 p.m.

Park and her friends were at Panther Beach when rising water left the group unable to escape through a narrow coastal passage known as the “keyhole.” Three people made it to safety, while Park was swept into the ocean. Another person in the group was injured, according to earlier reports.

The Coast Guard launched a search involving a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew from Station Monterey and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew from Air Station San Francisco. An Incident Management Division drone pilot also assisted.

The eight-hour operation covered 95 square miles. California State Parks, the Santa Cruz Fire Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office joined the effort.

The Coast Guard suspended active search efforts Monday afternoon, citing the extensive search and environmental conditions. The agency said the decision could be revisited if new developments arise.

“Suspending a search is a difficult decision,” said Lt. Max Holloway, the Coast Guard Sector San Francisco search and rescue mission coordinator. “Given the extensive search effort of the surrounding area and environmental conditions, we have suspended active search efforts pending further developments.”

Holloway said crews had exhausted available resources in their attempt to find Park and extended condolences to her family and loved ones.

The incident occurred amid hazardous ocean conditions along the coast. Earlier reports noted high tides and strong waves that can quickly cut off escape routes around coastal rock formations and narrow passages.