In February 2016, Luna, a 1-year-old German shepherd, disappeared from a fishing boat off the California coast. Presumed drowned, she was mourned as lost to the ocean. But over a month later, Navy staff on San Clemente Island were stunned by an unexpected encounter.
Falling Overboard
On February 10, 2016, fisherman Nick Hayworth was two miles off San Clemente Island with Luna aboard when she vanished. Hayworth reported her missing immediately. He told Navy personnel Luna was a powerful swimmer and believed she might make it to shore. Staff searched the island, but after a week with no sign of Luna, she was presumed dead at sea. Hayworth stayed in the area for two more days hoping to find her.
An Unexpected Reunion
On March 15, 2016, Navy staff arriving for work on San Clemente Island saw a dog sitting on the side of the road, wagging her tail. There were no domestic animals on the island, so the sight was striking. It was Luna. Officials confirmed her identity and contacted Hayworth, who was out on a lake with poor reception. He had to climb and move around to get a signal, but when the news reached him, he was overjoyed.
Surviving Alone
Luna was examined by a wildlife biologist from the San Diego Zoo. Other than being slightly undernourished, she was in good health. It appeared she had survived by hunting mice on the island. During her time alone, she had endured harsh weather, including storms linked to the El Niño event that year. Arrangements were quickly made for Hayworth’s best friend to pick Luna up and reunite her with her owner.
A Story That Surprised Many
San Clemente Island, located 80 miles off the coast of San Diego, is a Navy-controlled area with no permanent civilian residents or domestic animals. Luna’s survival, despite the harsh environment and isolation, captured attention. She was missing for five weeks before being found alive. Luna’s story became widely reported after her safe recovery and return to Hayworth, marking the end of an unexpected chapter that began with her disappearance into the Pacific Ocean.
In February 2016, Luna, a 1-year-old German shepherd, fell off a fishing boat near San Clemente Island and vanished.
Her owner, Nick Hayworth, searched for days, but after a week, Luna was presumed lost at sea.
Over a month later, a stunning discovery awaited…🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/CcT57XovfH
— Detective Tiger's Stories (@TigerDetective) July 12, 2025