San Francisco police are actively searching for a swimmer who went missing at Aquatic Park Cove on Saturday, sparking concern among family, friends, and the local swimming community.
Authorities reported that 35-year-old Nikolas Tomasevic was last seen around 10:15 a.m. while swimming inside the cove, wearing an orange swimming cap and swimming trunks.
Tomasevic is described as a white male, standing 6 feet 5 inches tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds, with blonde hair and brown eyes. Police emphasized that anyone who might have seen him or has information about his whereabouts should contact them immediately.
Emergency crews launched search operations shortly after Tomasevic was reported missing, focusing on the protected waters of the cove and the shoreline.
Rescue teams combed the area for about an hour, but efforts were temporarily suspended due to poor underwater visibility, according to Lieutenant Mariano Elias Jr. The difficult conditions highlight the challenges faced by rescue teams in open water, even within a relatively contained area like Aquatic Park Cove.
Aquatic Park, located at the end of Van Ness Avenue, is widely regarded as an ideal training spot for open-water swimmers. The Golden Gate Triathlon Club describes the perimeter of the cove as roughly one mile, making it a popular destination for both competitive and recreational swimmers.
Tomasevic, an experienced athlete, was well-known among the local swimming community, and his disappearance has sent shockwaves through the clubs and gyms he frequented.
On Sunday, the San Francisco Police Department’s Marine Unit resumed a systematic search of the cove and surrounding piers. The search involves divers and remotely operated vehicles equipped with sonar and cameras, allowing authorities to cover areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
These ongoing operations reflect the seriousness of the situation and the department’s commitment to locating Tomasevic. Members of the Dolphin Swimming and Boating Club, where Tomasevic was a member, have been visibly affected by his disappearance.
Flags at the club were lowered to half-staff as a mark of respect and concern. Club members spent the day searching for him, paddling in kayaks around the area and hoping for any sign of their friend.
“This is a tight community,” said Ken Coren, a club member. “Nikolas was part of it, as are his friends. It’s a sad day here. He’s an athlete, a swimmer. I’d see him in the gym regularly. He was a sweet man.”
The community continues to hold out hope for a safe return, while also grappling with the uncertainty surrounding his disappearance. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the SFPD at 415-575-4444 or send a text to TIP411, beginning the message with “SFPD.”
As search efforts continue, the story has drawn attention to the risks inherent in open-water swimming, even in popular and seemingly safe training areas.
Tomasevic’s disappearance serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictability of the ocean environment and the importance of vigilance and safety measures. Friends, family, and fellow athletes are keeping a close watch on developments, hoping that the ongoing search will soon bring news of his whereabouts.
