Press Release: Identity Confirmed for Man Missing at Soberanes Point
DATE/TIME: 11/24/2025 at 12:30 PM
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Identity Confirmed for Man Swept into Ocean at Soberanes Point, Garrapata State Park
LOCATION: Soberanes Point, Garrapata State Park, Monterey County, California
MEDIA CONTACT: Andres Rosas, Commander 831-261-5492; Email: rosasae@countyofmonterey.gov
The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office is releasing the identity of the person missing after being swept into the ocean at Soberanes Point on Saturday. Search efforts to recover his body are still ongoing.
The missing male has been identified as a 35-year-old U.S. Army Specialist from New Jersey.
Col. Christy L. Whitfield, Commandant at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, stated, “The missing person from Saturday’s incident at Garrapata State Park is Spc. Amanpreet Thind, a U.S. Army Soldier, and student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center. As search and recovery operations continue, we hold out hope that Spc. Thind will be found. We offer our deepest condolences to the Thind family during this difficult time. We are providing those impacted with every resource and support service available and extend our heartfelt gratitude to local, state, and national first responders working tirelessly to locate Spc. Thind.”
On Saturday November 22nd, 2025, three people were swept off the rocks and into the ocean at Soberanes Point within Garrapata State Park. Two women were able to self-rescue and were transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released for minor injuries.
A large-scale multi-agency response was initiated immediately and involved multiple agencies. Search efforts have continued each day but have been suspended during darkness for safety reasons. Search efforts resumed Monday morning led by the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office alongside California State Parks and CalFire. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Dive Team has reported that water conditions remain unsafe for entry into the water at this time. Conditions appear favorable for Wednesday and a water search may begin depending on those conditions.
The public is asked to stay away from the Soberanes Point area as these search efforts continue. A Beach Hazards statements remains in effect until 10:00 PM tonight. Sneaker waves and strong rip currents with breaking waves of 13 to 18 feet are possible.