Great white shark spotted off Huntington Beach, California; pier closed
A surfer spotted a great white shark circling near the shore at Huntington Beach, California, on 13 October. The pier was closed and swimmers were barred from the ocean, but researchers could not find the animal.
A surfer spotted a great white shark circling roughly 300 feet (about 90 metres) off the coast at Huntington Beach, California, on 13 October, according to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, as reported by the Daily Mail. Experts warn that the shark is hungry and hunting seals.
Restrictions on the beach
The fire department said the shark's behaviour, circling near the shore, is classified as aggressive under Marine Safety shark response protocols. As a precaution, the Huntington Beach pier was closed. Visitors may stay on the sand, but they are not allowed to enter the ocean.
Search and earlier sightings
Lowe said he sent researchers on Wednesday to check the sighting, using a drone, a personal watercraft and a rescue boat. They did not find the shark. He described the surfer as a "credible source". Marine safety officials confirmed that the surfer who reported the shark was not attacked.
This is the second shark sighting at Huntington Beach this year. The earlier one took place in spring, when the area was closed for a full day. Data from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife show that the number of shark sightings in the state has risen since June.
