The US Coast Guard has suspended its active search for a 24-year-old woman who was swept out to sea in California. The individual, identified as Senah Park, was last seen near Panther State Beach in Santa Cruz county on Sunday evening. Authorities confirmed the suspension of the operation on Tuesday, marking the end of several days of intensive efforts to locate her.
According to the Santa Cruz county sheriff’s office, deputies responded to the beach around 8:00 p.m. on Sunday after receiving a report that a woman had been swept into the ocean. The agency explained that a group of friends was on the beach when an incoming tide knocked several of them over. During this incident, Park is believed to have been carried out to sea.
The San Mateo-Santa Cruz unit of California Fire CZU provided further details, stating that firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 8:30 p.m. The report indicated that four people had gone through a keyhole area on the beach and became trapped as the tide rose. While three individuals managed to escape the rising water, Park, described as a woman in her twenties, was unable to do so.
An extensive search operation began immediately on Sunday night. This effort involved the deployment of drones, ground crews, helicopters, and dedicated search and rescue teams. In an update issued on Tuesday, the sheriff’s office noted that its fixed wing Air Unit and Drone Team had been searching the coastline and surrounding waters for Park.
The sheriff’s office expressed its support for the family in a statement, saying, “While there are no significant updates to share at this time, our thoughts are with Senah’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.” The agency emphasized the ongoing concern despite the lack of new leads.
In a separate statement, the US Coast Guard detailed the coordination of the search. Watchstanders at the San Francisco command center received a notification on Sunday night from Santa Cruz fire department personnel regarding a confirmed person in the water near Panther State Beach. In response, watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and coordinated the launch of a 47-foot motor lifeboat crew and an MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew.
The Coast Guard reported that it coordinated eight hours of search efforts across an area of 95 square miles. Assets deployed during this period included helicopter aircrews, boat crews, and drones. Despite these comprehensive measures, the agency announced on Tuesday that it had suspended its search on Monday afternoon.
Lt Max Holloway, the San Francisco sector search and rescue mission coordinator, explained the decision in a Tuesday statement. He described suspending a search as a difficult decision, noting that it was made given the extensive search effort of the surrounding area and the current environmental conditions. He added that the team had worked closely with partner agencies and exhausted all available resources in their attempt to locate Ms. Park.
Holloway offered his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the missing woman. The decision to suspend the search was made while awaiting further developments that might warrant resuming active efforts.
The announcement comes at a time when the National Weather Service’s San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey office issued a warning for high surf this coming weekend. The office predicted dangerously large breaking waves between 20 and 30 feet. Residents were advised to stay away from beaches, jetties, piers, and rocks, and to remain out of the water. This weather pattern is part of recent historic high tides and record-breaking water levels in parts of California, driven by the ongoing impacts of a strong and strengthening El Niño.
