Possible shark encounter reported as woman remains missing off Lovers Point
By Jacquelyn Quinones
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PACIFIC GROVE, California (KSBW) — A search-and-rescue operation is underway in Pacific Grove after a 55-year-old woman went missing during a weekly open-water swim near Lovers Point on Sunday afternoon.
Pacific Grove police say the woman was swimming with a regular group that meets in the area every Sunday.
Investigators say the group entered the water as usual, but around noon, a witness on the shoreline reported seeing a “large splash.”
Police say the sight prompted the other swimmers to head back to shore out of concern it may have been a shark attack. Everyone in the group returned safely except the missing swimmer.
Two witnesses said the swimmer may have encountered a shark while swimming offshore near Lovers Point.
“She’s a 55-year-old blonde woman with blue eyes who is currently missing and who we’re searching for,” said Commander Brian Anderson with the Pacific Grove Police Department.
Law enforcement officials say shark sightings are rare along the Central Coast but do occur, and they believe this incident may be consistent with a shark attack based on the witness account.
Multiple agencies joined the response, including the U.S. Coast Guard, Monterey Fire Department, Seaside Fire, and CAL FIRE. Authorities say crews have been using rescue boats, drones, and helicopters as they search the water and surrounding area.
The woman was not found by 8 p.m., so rescue crews suspended their search until Monday morning. The search will continue with the Pacific Grove Police Department, Monterey Fire Department, Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Officials say the swimmer’s family has been notified.
Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, and McAbee and San Carlos beaches in Monterey, will stay closed through Tuesday. A beach advisory will remain in place for Asilomar State Beach, Monterey Municipal Beach, Del Monte Beach, and Monterey State Beach through Tuesday as well.
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