Authorities Search For Missing Swimmer After Possible Shark Attack Off Coast Of Pacific Grove

PACIFIC GROVE, CA — Authorities in Monterey County on Sunday night confirmed that two people reported seeing a possible shark before a swimmer disappeared off the coast of Pacific Grove earlier that day.

Just after noon, a full water rescue response was initiated for a 55-year-old woman who had been swimming near Lovers Point, with help from the Pacific Grove Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey Fire Department, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, and California State Parks. Rescue workers have been using boats, drones, and a helicopter.

Unconfirmed reports of a shark sighting and even an attack leading to the woman's disappearance prompted the city of Pacific Grove to close all beaches within a mile of Lovers Point on Sunday due to an "unconfirmed shark incident," the city said on social media.

"Two witnesses indicated the swimmer may have encountered a shark while swimming offshore near Lovers Point," said the county.

Pacific Grove Police Commander Brian Anderson said that a witness reported seeing a "large splash" that prompted the group that the woman was swimming with to all come to shore. Once there, they realized that she was no longer with them, he said.

According to Petty Officer Christopher Sappey with the U.S. Coast Guard, one person reported seeing something disturbing.

"The person who reported the shark sighting claimed they saw a shark breach the water with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth," he said. "They then witnessed the shark submerge below the waterline without resurfacing."

Sappey clarified that there is no evidence confirming that the missing swimmer was attacked by a shark.

"I can confirm that there was a reported sighting in the area, however we cannot necessarily correlate this sighting with the missing person as there is no confirming evidence of that," Sappey said.

The Coast Guard will continue to search into the evening but then will take a break until morning, he said. They are utilizing a small boat crew from Station Monterey as well as multiple helicopter air crews from Air Station San Francisco to search the area.

Efforts will also resume in the morning by the Pacific Grove Police Department, Monterey Fire Department, and the Monterey County Sheriff's Office, the county said.

Out of caution, Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove as well as McAbee and San Carlos Beaches in Monterey will remain closed through Tuesday, according to the county. Also, a beach advisory will remain in place for Asilomar State Beach, Monterey Municipal Beach, Del Monte Beach, and Monterey State Beach through Tuesday.

By Katy St. Clair / Bay City News

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