Person drowns at Central Coast lake

August 11, 2026

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

One person drowned on Sunday at Lake San Antonio in Southern Monterey County.

Shortly after 3 p.m., a caller reported that an adult relative had not been seen for about 20 minutes and was last observed in the water near the shoreline. Family members also told Monterey County Park Rangers that the missing person was an inexperienced swimmer, according to the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Park rangers immediately began searching the shoreline and the surrounding area. Based on witness statements, it was believed the person may have gone underwater and not resurfaced.

Rangers requested assistance from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, including the Sheriff’s Dive Team, in order to conduct an underwater search. The dive team arrived and searched the area where the person was last seen, as well as the surrounding water. Divers were unable to locate the person, and the search was suspended for the day.

On Monday, the dive team and park rangers resumed operations, with the search transitioning to a recovery operation. Crews utilized multiple techniques, including sonar, while continuing to search the area.

After searching for several hours, divers located the missing person deceased in the water.

Personnel from the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Unit arrived and took custody of the victim. Authorities are withholding the victim’s identity as they notify relatives of the death.

The sheriff’s office says it extends its condolences to the victim’s family. Officials ask that anyone who was at Lake San Antonio and may have witnessed anything that could assist the investigation contact the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office at (831) 755-3700.