Body Found Near Suspected Shark Attack Site in California

Authorities in California have reported the discovery of a body in proximity to where a swimmer was believed to have been attacked by a shark last week.

The body, identified as that of a female, was located south of Davenport Beach, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office. The investigation involves collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the Pacific Grove Police Department, due to the recent shark-related disappearance in Monterey.

The swimmer, identified as Erica Fox, aged 55, was last seen around noon on December 21 at Lovers Point in Pacific Grove within Monterey Bay, as stated by the Coast Guard and local city officials. Her body was identified by her family, using her clothing as a means of confirmation.

Family members shared that Fox was equipped with a shark deterrent device on her ankle when she vanished.

Potential Shark Encounter Witnessed

Following her disappearance, two individuals reported the possibility of a shark encounter. One observer claimed to have seen a shark with what appeared to be a human body in its grasp before submerging.

The official search was halted after covering a significant area of over 84 square nautical miles during more than 15 hours of operations.

Local Beach Closures

As a precaution, several nearby beaches including Lovers Point Beach, McAbee Beach, and San Carlos Beach in Monterey were closed to the public through the following Tuesday.