Dad disputes desperate final moments of daughter & pal after fire chief said they were swept away napping on beach
A GRIEVING dad has challenged claims his daughter and her friend were asleep when a freak wave swept them to their deaths on a California beach.
Harshita Nair, 21, and Mahial Sran, 20, were dragged into the sea by a deadly “sneaker wave” at Panther Beach in Santa Cruz County.
Initial reports from fire officials suggested the pair may have been napping near a rocky cove when the ocean suddenly surged in last Wednesday.
Kyle Breton, a Santa Cruz County volunteer fire captain, said in a video that officials believed the two friends were napping near a rock archway between two beaches when the water came in and swept them out.
But Harshita’s father, Ahock Nair, has now disputed that version of events.
He told the California Post: “They weren’t sleeping there, because their bags were completely dry.”
Questioning the theory that the pair had been resting on the sand, he added: “If they were sleeping, their bags would also have gone along with them, or would have been completely wet.”
His comments come after fire officials reportedly walked back early suggestions that the women appeared to have been asleep when they were pulled into the ocean.
Authorities said the friends had crossed through a narrow rock opening at Panther Beach in Bonny Doon to sunbathe in a secluded area popular with visitors.
But as powerful swells battered the coastline, waves reportedly crashed through the gap and cut off their only route back to safety.
Cal Fire spokesman Michael Horn previously said: “Their access back down the beach had been completely cut off by water and large surf.”
A witness called 911 shortly after 5pm, triggering a huge emergency response involving multiple agencies.
Around eight swimmers battled heavy surf to reach the women.
Both were pulled from the water alive, but Harshita died shortly afterwards and Mahial later succumbed to her injuries in hospital.
The tragedy has devastated Fremont, where both women grew up and graduated from Washington High School in 2023.
Harshita was a legal studies major at UC Berkeley and had been set to graduate next year.
Mahial was studying public health at San José State University and was due to earn her degree in 2027.
Her teenage brother, Aagman, remembered her as a caring and responsible big sister.
“She always took care of whatever needed to be done,” the 17-year-old told The California Post.
“She always delivered.”
Harshita’s online obituary described her as “a cherished sister, granddaughter, and a treasured friend to so many.”
“In her short but beautiful life, Harshita left an unforgettable mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her,” it read.
Fremont mayor Raj Salwan said the pair’s “young lives were filled with promise”.
“Our Fremont community is heartbroken by the tragic loss,” he wrote.
“My deepest condolences are with their families, friends, classmates, and everyone grieving this unimaginable loss.”
He also warned beachgoers to stay alert as powerful swells continue to hit the California coast.
“Sneaker waves, strong currents, and rising tides can strike without warning,” Salwan said.
“Never turn your back on the ocean.”
