The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating an unsettling discovery in Malibu Lagoon. A man’s body was found inside a 55-gallon drum floating in the water on Monday.
A park maintenance worker initially spotted the barrel near the Pacific Coast Highway bridge on Sunday evening. However, the worker was unable to drag the heavy barrel to the shore and left it in the water. On Monday morning, a lifeguard noticed the barrel and swam out to retrieve it, uncovering the grim contents.
Lieutenant Hugo Raynaga from the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department noted that the body didn’t appear to be decomposed, suggesting it hadn’t been in the water for an extended period. Authorities speculate that high tide may have carried the drum into the lagoon from the ocean.
This unusual and unsettling incident has stirred concern among local beachgoers and surfers. Ric Collins, a beach visitor on Tuesday morning, described the event as “unthinkable.”
Detectives are currently canvassing the area for potential clues, witnesses, and surveillance footage that might assist in identifying the victim and locating a possible suspect. Anyone with information related to this case is strongly encouraged to contact the LAPD. This incident once again highlights the importance of staying vigilant and reporting any suspicious activities to the authorities.