Tragedy struck on a California beach as a woman from Georgia lost her life on Saturday morning when powerful waves hit her and her family, confirmed by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office.
Brindha Shunmuganathan, 39, along with her two children, was enjoying a day at Pismo Beach when a substantial wave, around 9 a.m., knocked them off their feet, according to authorities.
The family, staying at a nearby hotel while on vacation, decided to visit the beach. While taking pictures, a large wave unexpectedly approached, causing them to lose their footing. Family members managed to rescue the two children, but unfortunately, Shunmuganathan became trapped on a rock bed and faced continuous impacts from oncoming waves.
Bystanders who witnessed the incident took swift action, pulling Shunmuganathan from the waters and attempting to revive her through CPR. Pismo Beach Police Department reported that officers arrived at the scene around 9:11 a.m. on Saturday to assist in the rescue efforts.
Despite several attempts to resuscitate her, Shunmuganathan was declared dead at the scene by medics who arrived shortly afterward. The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office revealed that investigators are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Shunmuganathan’s tragic death.
As this heartbreaking incident unfolded, the West Coast is bracing for significant waves and coastal flooding this week. A robust El Niño pattern in the Pacific Ocean is contributing to hazardous waves, reaching heights of up to 16 feet along the California coast.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings, urging people to exercise caution near the ocean, especially with deadly waves that can surge up the beach by at least 150 feet. Experts emphasize the importance of avoiding standing on logs on the beach, as large waves can displace or lift these water-soaked logs, posing serious safety risks.
Patrick Barnard, a research geologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Pacific Coastal Marine Science Center in Santa Cruz, highlighted the rising ocean levels, noting that the West Coast has experienced an approximately 10-inch increase over the last century. This upward trend amplifies the impact of larger waves, leading to more erosion and flooding.
Recent incidents of high surf along the California coast have prompted warnings and evacuations. On December 30, 2023, the Ventura County Fire Department issued an evacuation warning for residences bordering Pacific Coast Highway due to high surf impacting structures in the area.
These waves have caused considerable damage to government buildings in Ventura County, eroded beaches, and resulted in numerous water rescues statewide. Coastal experts and meteorologists suggest that the recent waves are likely low-frequency, gravity-induced waves originating offshore, creating a massive runup due to rough surf and high water conditions.
Tragically, in a separate incident last week in Ventura County, at least eight people were injured when a rogue wave breached a seawall, clearing out cars and people in its path. The series of events underscores the unpredictable and perilous nature of the ocean, emphasizing the need for vigilance and awareness when enjoying coastal environments.