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Swimmer Vanishes After Suspected Shark Encounter
22 Dec, 2025
Summary
- A swimmer went missing off Lovers Point after witnesses reported a possible shark encounter.
- Beaches in Pacific Grove and Monterey remained closed due to the incident.
- There have been three shark attacks in California this year, none fatal.
Emergency response teams were searching on Monday, December 22nd, for a missing swimmer off the coast of Pacific Grove, California. The disappearance occurred near Lovers Point on Sunday, December 21st, when witnesses reported the swimmer may have encountered a shark. The United States Coast Guard and local authorities supported rescue efforts, but the swimmer remained missing by Monday evening.
Following the incident, Lovers Point Beach and nearby beaches in Monterey were closed as a precautionary measure through Tuesday, December 23rd. A beach advisory was also issued for several other coastal areas. Officials have not yet confirmed if the missing swimmer is directly related to the reported shark sighting.
As of Monday, December 22nd, California had experienced three shark attacks on people this year, with no fatalities reported. Globally, an average of 65 shark attacks are documented annually, with 47 unprovoked attacks occurring last year.
