On Thursday at 1:15 p.m., Newport Beach Fire Department Lifeguards confirmed the sighting of an approximately 8-foot great white shark circling a surfer off 35th Street in West Newport.
The following precautions were immediately put in effect:
- Water cleared one mile east and west of the last known location; minimum 4-hour closure with active monitoring by tower and patrol lifeguards
- NBPD notified; HB-1 helicopter fly-over requested
- OCSD notified; surveillance vessel requested and NBLG Sea Watch rescue vessel deployed
- Neighboring lifeguard agencies notified
- Beach closure and shark-sighted signs posted
Shark sightings are rare along our coastline. When observed, these animals are typically transiting through the area. Out of an abundance of caution, the public was asked avoid the water in this vicinity until the all-clear was issued.
As of this morning, the water has been reopened, but officials are continuing to monitor the area. After an initial closure that was extended “until further notice” on Thursday night, Newport Beach was cleared to reopen to the public at 5:45 PM yesterday…