Coast Guard suspends search for missing swimmer following apparent shark attack near Point Reyes

The missing person was reported to be attacked by a shark on Sunday morning off the coast of Wildcat Beach near Point Reyes.

POINT REYES — The search for a swimmer who was thought to be attacked by a shark near Point Reyes has been suspended with no plans to resume, according to a spokesperson with the U.S Coast Guard.

The spokesperson confirmed at 8 a.m. Monday that the search had been suspended. The agency’s search was prompted by reports that a swimmer was apparently attacked by a shark and dragged into the water around 10:40 a.m. Sunday off the coast of Wildcat Beach.

Searching parties aiding the Coast Guard included the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, Marin County Fire Department and the National Park Service. There was no word as of Monday morning whether those agencies would continue their searches.

Attempts to reach the National Park Service on Monday morning were not immediately successful.

There have been 210 shark attacks and incidents — 15 of them resulting in fatalities — off the California coast since 1950, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The last reported shark encounter occurred at Bean Hollow State Beach in San Mateo County on Aug. 22. The individual was kayaking and was not injured.

Staff writer Grace Hase contributed to this report.