Swimmer Missing in Monterey Bay Sparks Shark Attack Fears
A woman went missing while swimming in Monterey Bay over the weekend, raising concerns over a potential shark encounter. Witnesses reported that she was part of a group when a significant splash was observed, suggesting a possible interaction with a shark.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon near Lovers Point. According to a statement from the U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities, two witnesses indicated that the swimmer may have encountered a shark. By 8:00 p.m. that evening, search efforts had not yet located the woman.
Witness Accounts
Witnesses described seeing a large splash as the swimmer swam offshore. Once the group returned to shore, they realized the 55-year-old woman was missing. One person reported seeing a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth. Subsequently, the shark submerged without resurfacing.
Search Operations
The Pacific Grove Police and U.S. Coast Guard are currently leading the search for the missing swimmer. Search efforts have included:
- Deployment of a helicopter from Air Station San Francisco.
- Launch of a small boat from Monterey Station.
Chris Sappey, a spokesperson for the U.S. Coast Guard, confirmed the search operations and the involvement of multiple agencies, including the Monterey County Fire Department and the California State Parks.
Public Safety Measures
In light of the situation, authorities have issued advisories for beaches in Monterey County due to safety concerns. The following beaches are currently closed:
- Lovers Point
- MacAbee
- San Carlos
While there is confirmed evidence of a shark sighting in the area, officials have stated there is no definitive evidence linking the missing swimmer’s disappearance to an attack.
Family Notification
The family of the missing swimmer has been informed about the ongoing search and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance. Authorities continue their efforts to locate her safely.
