Woman disappears after possible shark attack off California coast

A 55-year-old California woman is missing after a frightening ocean incident off the state’s coast that authorities say may have involved a shark. The woman disappeared on Sunday, December 21, 2025, while swimming during daylight hours shortly after noon near Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, prompting an urgent multi-agency search and rescue operation that has so far failed to locate her.

According to local officials, witnesses taking part in a group swim outing reported a large splash and signs of distress in the water around 12:04 p.m. local time, along with a possible shark sighting, shortly before the woman vanished. The group immediately returned to shore and realised the woman was missing about 100 yards offshore. Lifeguards and emergency responders were alerted just after noon and launched a search involving rescue boats, drones and aerial support. Despite several hours of coordinated efforts, no body or definitive physical evidence has been recovered.


Authorities have been careful not to confirm a shark attack, describing the incident instead as a possible marine-animal encounter. Investigators said the lack of remains or clear bite marks makes it impossible to determine exactly what happened, and they have not ruled out other possibilities, including drowning or a medical emergency.

Search operations involving Pacific Grove Police, local lifeguards and the U.S. Coast Guard continued until at least 8:00 p.m. on Sunday before being suspended due to darkness and ocean conditions. Officials said search efforts resumed on Monday, December 22, as crews reassessed conditions and followed up on witness accounts.

Shark encounters along the California coast are rare, and fatal incidents are even more uncommon. Marine experts note that while great white sharks are known to inhabit coastal waters, confirmed attacks on humans occur infrequently and often involve cases of mistaken identity.

The disappearance has drawn significant public attention, with officials urging caution against speculation as the investigation continues. Search efforts may be adjusted based on weather and ocean conditions, and authorities said they would provide updates if new information emerges.