Press Release: Formal Search for Amanpreet Thind at Soberanes Point Has Been Suspended
DATE/TIME: 11/26/2025 at 5:15 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Formal Search Operations for Amanpreet Thind at Soberanes Point Have Been Suspended
LOCATION: Soberanes Point, Garrapata State Park, Monterey County, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander; Phone: 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office has made the difficult decision to cease formal search operations for 35-year-old Amanpreet Thind, who was swept into the ocean at Soberanes Point along the Garrapata State Park coastline on November 22, 2025.
On the day of the incident, a Beach Hazard Statement was in effect. Thind had been visiting Soberanes Point with three friends when a large wave struck the rocks, pulling him and two companions into the ocean. While the two friends were able to safely exit the water, Thind was not. Since that time, search efforts have been conducted daily during daylight hours.
On November 26, 2025, favorable water conditions allowed the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and California State Parks Rescue Swimmers to conduct a second consecutive day of in-water operations. Private diver Juan Heredia of the Angels Recovery Dive Team also responded and worked alongside partner agencies in an effort to locate Thind. Drone support was provided by both California State Parks and the Sheriff’s Office. Despite extensive efforts, Thind was not found.
After four days of coordinated, intensive operations, and after consulting with California State Parks and other regional partners, the Sheriff’s Office has suspended formal search activities. Resources will remain on standby should Thind be seen or located. The Thind family and Command Staff at the Defense Language Institute have been notified.
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest sympathies to the Thind family during this painful time. We also want to recognize and thank all personnel and volunteers who dedicated significant time and effort to this search under challenging ocean conditions.
We strongly urge the public not to conduct independent search efforts in or near the water. Ocean conditions along the Big Sur coastline are extremely hazardous.
Finally, we ask the community to exercise care and sensitivity when posting information or commentary on social media. Public comments can be seen by grieving families and may cause additional harm. Responsible communication helps ensure families receive timely, accurate, and compassionate updates from authorized officials.