Credited from: SFGATE
A 55-year-old woman is missing after an incident during a group swim near Lovers Point in Pacific Grove on Sunday afternoon, December 21, 2025. The search-and-rescue operation began after witnesses reported a "large splash" and expressed concerns of a possible shark incident, prompting the swimmers to return to shore. Once on land, they discovered the woman was no longer with them, according to SFGate.
Witnesses indicated that moments before her disappearance, one claimed to have seen a shark breach the water, reportedly with something in its mouth, which heightened fears of a shark attack, according to Los Angeles Times and India Times.
Search efforts coordinated by the Pacific Grove Police, U.S. Coast Guard, and local fire departments commenced shortly after the incident, utilizing rescue boats, drones, and aerial surveillance. Despite extensive searches lasting several hours, no sign of the woman has been found as of Monday morning, prompting law enforcement to conclude the first search due to darkness and surf conditions, as reported by SFGate and Los Angeles Times.
Authorities have stated that while a shark encounter is a possibility, they have not confirmed a shark attack since no physical evidence has been presented thus far. They emphasize the need for caution against speculation while the investigation continues and reassess search operations in accordance with ocean conditions, according to India Times and Los Angeles Times.