Santa Cruz County: Body Discovered Near Recent Shark Sighting, Officials Confirm
Santa Cruz County authorities have confirmed the recovery of a body near the area of recent shark sightings. The body was discovered Saturday afternoon off the coast of Davenport, close to where a woman had been reported missing. The incident raises concerns due to its proximity to a recent shark attack in the region.
Body Recovery Details
The Cal Fire firefighters conducted the recovery operation around 1 p.m. on Saturday. They utilized a rope system to retrieve the body from a beach south of Davenport. The agency shared images of the operation, highlighting the efforts made to access the difficult terrain.
Investigation and Identification
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the discovery of the body. As of Sunday morning, the identity of the deceased had not been disclosed, and officials did not specify the gender. The authorities have stated they are coordinating with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office and the Pacific Grove Police Department due to the recent shark incident.
Missing Person Case
Earlier in the week, there was a reported shark sighting in Monterey County near Pacific Grove. Erica Fox, a 55-year-old woman, was last seen near Lovers Point on December 21. She was swimming with members of the Kelp Krawlers, a swim group she co-founded.
Search Efforts for Erica Fox
- The search for Fox lasted over 15 hours.
- Authorities covered an area of 84 square nautical miles.
- Search operations included multiple search and rescue teams.
The search for Erica Fox has already been suspended, according to the Pacific Grove Police Department. The close timing of her disappearance and the body recovery has heightened concerns among local communities regarding marine safety.
