Woman Missing in California Swim; Possible Shark Encounter

A 55-year-old woman vanished during a group swim off Lovers Point Beach in Pacific Grove, California, on Sunday, December 21, 2025, amid reports of a possible shark encounter, authorities said. The unidentified swimmer, described as having blonde hair and blue eyes, was part of a local swim club conducting its weekly outing in the waters of Monterey Bay when she failed to return to shore around noon.

The incident unfolded when fellow swimmers noticed a large splash in the water, prompting the group to head back to the beach. Upon reaching safety, they realized one member was missing, according to Pacific Grove Police Commander Brian Anderson. "We had a swim club that does a weekly swim out here off Lovers Point," Anderson told local media. "They immediately called all the swimmers in and there was one swimmer who hasn't reported back yet."

Two witnesses reported seeing a shark in the area, with one providing a more alarming account. U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Christopher Sappey relayed that the observer claimed to have seen the shark breach the surface with what appeared to be a human body in its mouth before submerging and not resurfacing. "The person who reported the shark...