Current:Home > MarketsMissing California swimmer reportedly attacked by shark, say officials-InfoLens
Missing California swimmer reportedly attacked by shark, say officials
View Date:2024-12-23 22:59:40
Officials continued their search on Monday for a swimmer who went missing near San Francisco in what may have been a shark attack.
A group of three swimmers ran into what they told officials was a shark off Wildcat Beach at Point Reyes National Seashore on Sunday morning.
The call came in just before 10:30 a.m., about 15 minutes after the missing swimmer had last been seen, Stinson Beach Fire Protection District Chief Jesse Peri told USA TODAY on Monday.
Witnesses reported seeing a shark, Peri said, but that has not yet been confirmed. Soon after, several other agencies including the National Park Service and the Cost Guard responded and launched a search.
Search for missing mom:'Let her come home': Family pleads for help finding missing Houston mom last seen leaving workplace
Coast Guard, National Park Service launch search
The Coast Guard's San Fransisco branch received a report of a person who appeared to have been pulled under the water by a shark, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Hunter Schnabel told USA TODAY on Monday.
The man had been swimming with two others roughly 25 to 50 yards from shore when he was attacked, leaving behind a "large pool of blood in the water," reported KPIX-TV.
The responding agencies mounted a land, air and aquatic search that began Sunday afternoon and lasted overnight into Monday morning, Schabel said. After searching 62 square nautical miles over the course of 20 hours, the Coast Guard suspended the search as of 9 a.m. Monday pending any further updates.
No signs of the missing person or evidence as to what exactly occurred were found, said Schabel. While the witnesses reported seeing the shark again after the attack, officials are unable to officially confirm that such an attack occurred without laying eyes on the individual.
The National Park Service, Marin County Sheriff's Office, Marin County Fire Department and the Stinson Beach Fire Department are continuing a ground search.
Shark stuck on Florida shore:'It's too dangerous!' Massive mako shark stranded on Florida beach saved by swimmers
White sharks encounters
It's not uncommon for visitors to spot great white sharks at Point Reyes, specifically in late summer months through the fall. They most often hang out roughly 5 to 30 yards from shore, where their prey of harbor seals and California sea lions can be found, according to NPS.
Researchers found that great white appearances during peak seasons occurred as frequently as once every six hours at Point Reyes National Seashore, meaning a sighting is not necessarily rare on an average fall day. However, the likelihood of an attack remains "extremely small," according to NPS.
The identity of the missing swimmer was not revealed. The park service did not respond to requests for comment.
veryGood! (75)
Related
- See Chris Evans' Wife Alba Baptista Show Her Sweet Support at Red One Premiere
- The Humane AI Pin is unlikely to soon replace the smartphone but it has some wow features
- Appalachian State chancellor stepping down this week, citing “significant health challenges”
- Lawsuit asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down governor’s 400-year veto
- Wisconsin’s high court to hear oral arguments on whether an 1849 abortion ban remains valid
- 2024 NBA play-in tournament: What I'm watching, TV schedule, predictions
- Caitlin Clark taken No. 1 in the WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever, as expected
- 4 family members plead not guilty in abduction and abuse of a malnourished Iowa teen
- Shel Talmy, produced hits by The Who, The Kinks and other 1960s British bands, dead at 87
- Kesha Switches TikTok Lyric About Sean Diddy Combs During Coachella 2024 Duet
Ranking
- Tua Tagovailoa tackle: Dolphins QB laughs off taking knee to head vs. Rams on 'MNF'
- Love Is Blind's Chelsea Responds After Megan Fox Defends Her Against Criticism
- Edmonton Oilers' Connor McDavid joins exclusive group with 100-assist season
- A 9-year-old boy’s dream of a pet octopus is a sensation as thousands follow Terrance’s story online
- These Michael Kors’ Designer Handbags Are All Under $150 With an Extra 22% off for Singles’ Day
- Retrial scheduled in former Ohio deputy’s murder case
- ABBA, Blondie, and the Notorious B.I.G. enter the National Recording Registry
- WEALTH FORGE INSTITUTE- A PRACTITIONER FOR THE BENEFIT OF SOCIETY
Recommendation
-
Democrat Cleo Fields wins re-drawn Louisiana congressional district, flipping red seat blue
-
Caitlin Clark, Kamilla Cardoso, WNBA draft prospects visit Empire State Building
-
What Caitlin Clark said after being taken No. 1 by Indiana Fever in 2024 WNBA draft
-
Steve Sloan, former coach and national title-winning QB at Alabama, has died at 79
-
The results are in: Peanut the Squirrel did not have rabies, county official says
-
New rules for Pregnant Workers Fairness Act include divisive accommodations for abortion
-
Lawsuit asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to strike down governor’s 400-year veto
-
Appalachian State chancellor stepping down this week, citing “significant health challenges”