Key Highlights
- A U.S. Army soldier was swept into the Pacific Ocean by a large wave at Garrapata State Park in Monterey County.
- The incident occurred on Soberanes Point, where a father and his 7-year-old daughter died under similar circumstances a week ago.
- The search-and-recovery operation for the missing soldier has been ongoing since Saturday.
- Thind was last seen wearing a white turban, black shirt, black shorts, and a black jacket.
Tragic Incident at Garrapata State Park
The latest tragedy unfolded on November 15, 2025, when a large wave hit Garrapata State Park in California, dragging a father and his young daughter into the Pacific Ocean. The incident occurred just days before another dramatic event took place, where a U.S. Army soldier was swept into the ocean by a similar powerful wave on November 22, 2025.
According to officials, the two women who were present at Soberanes Point managed to self-rescue and were taken to a local hospital with unknown injuries. The search-and-recovery operation for the missing soldier stretched into its third day as of Monday morning, November 24, 2025.
Missing Soldier Identified
The missing man was identified by military officials as Spc. Amanpreet Thind, a 35-year-old U.S. Army soldier from New Jersey who is currently studying at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey.
Col. Christy L. Whitfield, commandant of the center, released a statement expressing hope for his recovery and offering condolences to the Thind family.
“As search and recovery operations continue, we hold out hope that Spc. Thind will be found,” said Whitfield. “We offer our deepest condolences to the Thind family during this difficult time.”
Search Operations Intensify
The search-and-recovery operation for Spc. Thind involved a large-scale, multi-agency effort. On Saturday, a U.S.
Coast Guard helicopter crew was launched but were unable to relocate the body due to high surf conditions. The operation was suspended on Saturday evening and resumed Sunday morning.
Thind was last seen wearing a distinctive outfit: a white turban, black shirt, black shorts, and a black jacket. This description has been shared with local authorities and the public to aid in the search efforts.
Previous Tragedy at Garrapata State Park
The park has a grim history, having witnessed another tragedy just days earlier on November 15, 2025, when a 39-year-old father and his 7-year-old daughter were also dragged into the ocean by a powerful wave. Both individuals died in this incident, making Garrapata State Park a somber reminder of the dangers posed by the unpredictable nature of ocean waves.
The sheriff’s office issued a strong warning to the public, emphasizing that there is currently a beach hazard warning in effect and urging people to stay away from rocks and the water’s edge. They highlighted the unpredictability of ocean waves and their potential to pose significant safety hazards to visitors.
Public Safety Reminders
The incidents at Garrapata State Park have underscored the critical importance of public safety awareness, particularly during beach visits. Local authorities are reminding park-goers about the ongoing search efforts for Spc. Thind while also reiterating their concerns over the potential dangers posed by ocean waves.
As the search operations continue, experts emphasize the need for heightened vigilance and adherence to safety guidelines when visiting coastal areas. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present risks associated with beach activities and the importance of staying informed about local weather conditions and warnings.
Sources
- Monterey County Sheriff’s Office
- Military officials at Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center in Monterey
