Body Found In Ocean Being Investigated In Connection With Possible Shark Attack

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The discovery of a body north of Monterey Bay is being investigated in connection with a recent shark attack in the area, authorities said.

The body was recovered around 2 p.m. Saturday from the ocean, south of Davenport Beach, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

“Due to the close proximity to the recent shark attack victim in Monterey County, our agency is working closely with the Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the Pacific Grove Police Department regarding the recovery,” the Santa Cruz County agency said in a news release Saturday. “The investigation remains ongoing.”

On Dec. 21, two people in Monterey County reported seeing a possible shark before a swimmer went missing, authorities said. The swimmer, a 55-year-old woman, was with a swimming group at the time, but hadn't been seen since.

Monterey County officials said two witnesses reported the swimmer may have encountered a shark while swimming offshore near Lovers Point. A witness reported a large splash, causing the woman's swimming group to return to shore, where they discovered she was missing, police said.

The incident led to beach closures last week in Pacific Grove and Monterey.