UPDATE: The search for Army specialist Amanpreet Thind, who was tragically swept out to sea in Big Sur, has been suspended, according to a statement from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office on November 29, 2023. After four days of extensive search operations, officials confirmed that despite their best efforts, Thind remains missing.
Thind, aged 35, was at Soberanes Point in Garrapata State Park on November 22 when he was pulled into the ocean by a large wave. At the time, a Beach Hazard Statement was in effect due to dangerous conditions. Thind was with three friends when the incident occurred; while two were able to escape, he was not.
Search efforts faced significant challenges due to hazardous ocean conditions, which initially restricted diving operations and limited search activities to daylight hours. However, conditions improved on November 25, allowing the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and California State Parks Rescue Swimmers to resume their efforts. For two consecutive days, they conducted in-water searches but were ultimately unsuccessful.
A private diver, Juan Heredia of the Angels Recovery Dive Team, also joined the intense search effort, supported by drone surveillance from both the Sheriff’s Office and California State Parks. Despite these resources, Thind has not been located, intensifying the sorrow felt by his family and friends.
In a statement, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office expressed deep condolences to the Thind family, stating, “We extend our deepest sympathies during this painful time.” They also cautioned the public against conducting independent search efforts, stressing the extreme hazards present along the Big Sur coastline.
As the search has officially ended, officials are now focusing on providing support to Thind’s family and urging the community to respect the dangerous conditions that persist in the area. The situation remains tragic and impactful, highlighting the unpredictability of ocean environments.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and associated agencies continue to remind everyone to stay safe and vigilant around coastal areas, especially under hazardous conditions.
With the search now concluded, the community is left with heavy hearts as they await any further developments regarding Thind’s fate.
