Authorities in Monterey County have entered the third day of an intensified search for a man swept into the Pacific Ocean over the weekend — the second such incident at the same California park within a week. Officials have now identified the missing person as a U.S. Army soldier stationed in the area for language training.

The incident occurred Saturday afternoon at Soberanes Point, a rugged coastal area within Garrapata State Park that has seen increasingly dangerous surf conditions in recent days. Around 3 p.m., a powerful wave crashed over three individuals standing on coastal rocks and dragged all of them into the water.

Two women who were swept in managed to reach the shoreline on their own. They were taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation, though details of their injuries have not been released. The third individual — now identified as 35-year-old Spc. Amanpreet Thind, a student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey — disappeared beneath the waves.

Coast Guard Spotted Possible Body but Lost Visual

Emergency responders launched a large-scale operation almost immediately. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew reported sighting what appeared to be a body shortly after 4:20 p.m. Saturday. But turbulent waters and powerful surf made it impossible to maintain visual contact, and recovery efforts were unsuccessful.

As daylight faded and hazardous conditions intensified, the operation was paused Saturday evening. Teams resumed work on Sunday morning using drones, dive crews, and shoreline spotters, but high winds and churning waters once again disrupted the search. Authorities shifted from a rescue to a recovery mission later that day.

Despite the challenges, multiple agencies continued scouring the coastline through Monday, with operations expected to extend further if weather permits.

Military Officials Confirm Identity, Family Notified

In a statement released Monday, DLIFLC commandant Col. Christy L. Whitfield confirmed the missing soldier’s identity and expressed the military’s support for his family.

“We continue to hope for Spc. Thind’s recovery,” Whitfield said. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his family during this difficult time.”

Thind was last seen wearing a white turban, black shirt, black shorts, and a black vest-style jacket. He had reportedly been visiting Soberanes Point with acquaintances when the wave struck.

Second Deadly Incident in One Week

This tragedy comes just days after another wave-related fatality at the same location. On November 15, a 39-year-old man and his 7-year-old daughter — visiting from Calgary, Alberta — were swept into the sea by towering 15- to 20-foot waves. Both bodies were later recovered.

Following the second incident, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office renewed warnings to stay off coastal rocks and maintain distance from the water’s edge, noting that a Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect.

“Conditions remain extremely dangerous,” officials said, urging the public to avoid Soberanes Point entirely until surf conditions stabilize.

FAQ

Who is the missing man?
The missing individual is Spc. Amanpreet Thind, a 35-year-old U.S. Army soldier studying at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey.

What caused the accident?
A large wave swept three people off the rocks at Soberanes Point. Two survived; Thind remains missing.

How long has the search been ongoing?
The search entered its third day on Monday.

Was this the only incident in the area?
No. A father and daughter died at the same park a week earlier in a similar wave event.

Is the public allowed at Soberanes Point now?
Authorities strongly advise people to avoid the area due to hazardous surf.