Missing Swimmer Feared Lost After Shark Sighting Off Monterey Bay Coast

Officials continued searching Monday, Dec. 22, for a missing swimmer after a reported shark sighting over the weekend prompted beach closures along parts of the Monterey Bay coastline.

According to a joint statement from the cities of Pacific Grove and Monterey, along with the United States Coast Guard, emergency crews responded around noon Sunday to reports of a missing swimmer off Lovers Point in Pacific Grove.

Two witnesses told authorities the swimmer may have encountered a shark while swimming offshore. Search and rescue efforts continued through Sunday evening with support from multiple agencies, but no sign of the swimmer was found. The search resumed Monday morning, and officials said the swimmer’s family has been notified.

Local media reported the missing swimmer is a 55-year-old woman who was part of a regular Sunday open-water swimming group. Witnesses described seeing a large splash before the woman disappeared, prompting other swimmers to immediately return to shore.

One witness later reported seeing a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body, though officials stressed they have not confirmed whether the shark sighting and the swimmer’s disappearance are directly related.

As a precaution, Lovers Point Beach, along with McAbee and San Carlos beaches in Monterey, will remain closed through Tuesday, Dec. 23. Advisories are also in effect for Asilomar State Beach, Monterey Municipal Beach, Del Monte Beach, and Monterey State Beach.

California has recorded three shark attacks so far this year, none of them fatal.