Search underway for woman believed to be swept out to sea by high tide in California
Four people had reportedly gone into the rock keyhole part of the beach and were trapped when the tide started rising.
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THE TAKEAWAY
- The woman and her friends were trapped by the incoming high tide in a keyhole part of the beach.
- Search crews have been looking for her since Sunday night.
- U.S. Coast Guard is helping with the search.
SANTA CRUZ, Calif.–The search continues for a 24-year-old woman that officials say is believed to have been swept out to sea Sunday night after she and a group of friends were knocked over by an incoming tide.
CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit said they responded to Panther Beach State Park at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday.
Four people had reportedly gone into the rock keyhole part of the beach and were trapped when the tide started rising.
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CAL FIRE units look at thermal imaging of the beach in search of the missing woman. (CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Three of them were able to escape the rising waters, but one woman wasn't, and was likely taken out to sea.
"Ocean conditions along our coastline can change in an instant, turning a scenic beach visit into a life-threatening situation," CAL FIRE CZU said. "High tides can flood beaches and cut off escape routes quickly. Know the daily tide schedule before arriving."
Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office said an extensive search began after the incident on Sunday night, with drones, helicopters and ground crews involved.
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Ambulance and search and rescue crews respond to Panther Beach. (CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit/Facebook / FOX Weather)
Search efforts concluded once it became dark and resumed again on Monday morning, with aerial and boat crews.
After no luck on Monday, they concluded when it became dark.
The keyhole at Panther Beach State Park is a rock archway that opens up to a cove, which, during high tide, fills with water.
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"Narrow rock formations, caves, and alcoves can easily fill with water as the tide comes in. Avoid entering confined coastal features when the tide is rising," CAL FIRE CZU said.
As of Tuesday afternoon, drones and aircraft continued to look for the missing woman.
A look at the nighttime aerial imaging of Panther Beach. (CAL FIRE CZU San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit/Facebook / FOX Weather)
The U.S. Coast Guard is aiding in the search.
If ever in the ocean and someone falls in or gets swept out to sea, CAL FIRE CZU says never to attempt a rescue yourself. Instead, keep your eyes on the person's location and contact emergency services immediately.