A shark attack is a possible reason for the missing swimmer off the California coast
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Dec 23, 2025, 23:13 IST
Authorities in Monterey Bay are searching for a missing swimmer who is reportedly a 55, year, old man and also had a possible shark encounter. Closures of beaches are occurring in the area of the search.
A search is currently underway for a missing swimmer who went missing on Sunday afternoon from Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, a location in Northern California. There is a possible link that may have involved an attack by a shark on the missing swimmer. Beaches have been closed down in the Monterey Bay area as a result of the search.
“The missing swimmer was last seen around midday Sunday, according to a release from the U.S. Coast Guard and the cities of Pacific Grove and Monterey. The event allegedly took place at Lover's Point, a locale known for its activities such as swimming and diving,” an article states.
Two witnesses told the police that the person in the water might have met a shark. The swimmer was later described by officials as a 55-year-old female, according to news channel ABC Fresno affiliate KFSN, and her relatives have been contacted, according to officials.
Authorities quickly began the search operation shortly after the report was made. The Coast Guard began scanning the waters nearby through the use of boats and helicopters. The search operation continued for almost eight hours before it was suspended at about 8.00.p.m. on Sunday.
Search operations are set to continue Monday morning, according to officials. The Coast Guard is yet to provide details about the extent and the assets of their search.
In order to protect the public, the authorities have decided to shut down some beaches in the vicinity for some time. Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, McAbee Beach in Monterey, and San Carlos Beach in Monterey are to be closed till Tuesday. The need to ensure the safety of the beachgoers during the ongoing police searches is given as the main reason for the closures.
Marine biologists report that shark encounters in the California coastal waters are still very uncommon, though such encounters have been happening in the state every now and then. As the California Fish and Wildlife agency pointed out earlier, the predominant shark species in this area is the larger ones, which consist of the great white shark, the latter being the one that is very strictly protected under both state and federal laws. Up to the moment, no one has confirmed which shark species was involved in the case.
What is more, the Coast Guard mentioned that, in general, the validation of such cases is very much dependent on the testimonies of the people who were there, the pieces of evidence that are found, and the specific location where the incident occurred. So far, no declaration of a shark attack has been made; it has just been called a possible shark encounter.
Officials in law enforcement have recommended that residents take note of the beach closure notices and apply the safety measures while the search is still on. They will issue another communication when they have more news to disseminate.
FAQs
“The missing swimmer was last seen around midday Sunday, according to a release from the U.S. Coast Guard and the cities of Pacific Grove and Monterey. The event allegedly took place at Lover's Point, a locale known for its activities such as swimming and diving,” an article states.
Two witnesses told the police that the person in the water might have met a shark. The swimmer was later described by officials as a 55-year-old female, according to news channel ABC Fresno affiliate KFSN, and her relatives have been contacted, according to officials.
Authorities quickly began the search operation shortly after the report was made. The Coast Guard began scanning the waters nearby through the use of boats and helicopters. The search operation continued for almost eight hours before it was suspended at about 8.00.p.m. on Sunday.
Search operations are set to continue Monday morning, according to officials. The Coast Guard is yet to provide details about the extent and the assets of their search.
In order to protect the public, the authorities have decided to shut down some beaches in the vicinity for some time. Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, McAbee Beach in Monterey, and San Carlos Beach in Monterey are to be closed till Tuesday. The need to ensure the safety of the beachgoers during the ongoing police searches is given as the main reason for the closures.
Marine biologists report that shark encounters in the California coastal waters are still very uncommon, though such encounters have been happening in the state every now and then. As the California Fish and Wildlife agency pointed out earlier, the predominant shark species in this area is the larger ones, which consist of the great white shark, the latter being the one that is very strictly protected under both state and federal laws. Up to the moment, no one has confirmed which shark species was involved in the case.
What is more, the Coast Guard mentioned that, in general, the validation of such cases is very much dependent on the testimonies of the people who were there, the pieces of evidence that are found, and the specific location where the incident occurred. So far, no declaration of a shark attack has been made; it has just been called a possible shark encounter.
Officials in law enforcement have recommended that residents take note of the beach closure notices and apply the safety measures while the search is still on. They will issue another communication when they have more news to disseminate.
FAQs
- What went on at Lovers Point Beach?
On Sunday afternoon, a swimmer was apparently lost, and there was a report that the woman might have had a shark attack. - Have shark attack officials confirmed this?
No. It has been reported as an incident that may be related to a shark encounter. - What beaches are closed?
Lovers Point Beach, McAbee Beach, and San Carlos Beach are closed until Tuesday. - When will the search resume?
Police will be continuing their search operations on Monday, as per their announcement.