Woman Drowns While Scuba Diving Near Carmel

CARMEL (CBS SF) -- A 26-year-old Modesto woman drowned while scuba diving off the coast of Carmel on Wednesday, sheriff's deputies said.

Melissa Quaresma drowned while scuba diving at Monastery Beach in Carmel. She was transported to an area hospital, where emergency room doctors ultimately pronounced her deceased, deputies said.

Monastery Beach carries the nickname "Mortuary Beach" because it has claimed the lives of numerous divers in years past. It is known to be a technically challenging dive spot due to a steep shoreline and strong waves.