In sad news out of Marin County, California, a swimmer in the ocean near Wildcat Beach was possibly attacked by a shark and is still missing. The swimmer apparently was 25 to 50 yards offshore with two other friends when the incident occurred.
Wildcat Beach is on the southern end of Point Reyas and is not accessible via vehicle. The swimmers were reportedly camping nearby. The two surviving swimmers told authorities that following the attack, when they witnessed the shark, there was a large pool of blood in the water and their friend was missing. They immediately called for help.
Firefighters worked from land while Jet Skis, a Coast Guard boat, and a helicopter searched for the victim who was said to be 52 years old. “After searching 21 square nautical miles in ideal search conditions, we’ve been unsuccessful so far. The intent here is to continue the search,” Rachel Davis, Lt. (j.g.) with the U.S. Coast Guard, told the local CBS affiliate.
Senior captain Ben Ghisletta with the Marin County Fire Department told media that to his knowledge, this “could be the first fatal shark attack (in the Marin County area). But we’re hopeful that he’ll be found.” Authorities are still hesitant to call it a “shark attack” until they complete the investigation.
