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Possible Shark Attack, Woman Missing in Northern California

Originally posted on SURFER | By Dashel Pierson | Last updated Dec 22, 2025 11:42 AM ET

Search and rescue crews assembled, on Sunday, in pursuit of a missing swimmer at Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, just outside of Monterey, California.

A 55-year-old woman, whose name has yet to be revealed, vanished during a regular swim with a group of others. Following the woman’s disappearance, there were reports of a possible shark in the area – species unknown – and witnesses heard a “large splash.”

The other swimmers in the group made it to shore safely. That’s when the search for the missing woman began, and speculation spawned of a potential shark attack.

“Around noon today, there was a large splash that was seen by a witness on the shoreline,” said Commander Brian Anderson of the Pacific Grove Police Department. “From that, the swimmers came in, because they thought it was a possible shark attack.”

Giving details to the potential victim, Anderson added:

“She’s a 55-year-old blonde, blue-eyed woman that is currently missing, and that we’re currently searching [for].”

Multiple agencies joined in the search for the missing swimmer on Sunday, attempting to locate her by boat and air by sundown on Sunday. However, there have been no reports of a rescue or recovery as of Monday morning. Anderson continued on Sunday:

“Once it’s dark, it’s not fruitful. It’s actually really dangerous for us to be out here with different air support, and all the boats, and so forth.”

In a statement, the City of Pacific Grove noted:

“By 8:00 p.m., the swimmer was still not sighted. Efforts will resume in the morning by the Pacific Grove Police Department, Monterey Fire Department, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Coast Guard. The family of the swimmer has been notified of the situation. More details will be provided as they become available.”

Lovers Point, and a few surrounding beaches, will be closed through Tuesday, Dec. 23.

This article first appeared on SURFER and was syndicated with permission.

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