Search and rescue teams at the scene.

By Cecilia Levine From Daily Voice

A 35-year-old US Army soldier from New Jersey who was swept into the Pacific Ocean in California earlier this week has been identified.

Spc. Amanpreet Thind, a student at the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center, went missing Saturday, Nov. 22 at Soberanes Point in Garrapata State Park, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said.

Search teams are still trying to find him, Col. Christy L. Whitfield said.

“As search and recovery operations continue, we hold out hope that Spc. Thind will be found," Whitfield said. "We offer our deepest condolences to the Thind family during this difficult time.” 

Monterey County Sheriff's Office Facebook

The incident happened when Thind and two others were swept off the rocks and into the ocean, officials said. Two women were able to pull themselves out and were taken to a local hospital, where they were treated and released with minor injuries.

A large multi-agency search began immediately and has continued each day, but crews have paused operations at night for safety reasons. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, California State Parks, and CalFire resumed searching Monday morning. The Sheriff’s Dive Team said water conditions were still too dangerous for divers but were expected to improve by mid-week.

The military is providing support to everyone affected and thanked the agencies working the scene, she said. 

Officials are asking the public to avoid the Soberanes Point area while crews work. A Beach Hazards Statement remains in effect until 10 p.m. Monday, with sneaker waves, strong rip currents, and breaking waves of 13 to 18 feet possible.