Great White Shark Sighting Near Sunset Beach Leads to Temporary Beach Closure
Great White Shark Sighting Leads to Temporary Ocean Closure at Sunset Beach
Authorities have temporarily closed a section of ocean near Sunset Beach for 48 hours following the sighting of a great white shark feeding on a sea lion carcass close to shore. The shark, estimated to be between 9 to 10 feet long, was observed around 10 a.m. on Wednesday near North Pacific Avenue and 12th Street.
In a post on their Instagram account, Huntington Beach Lifeguards reported that the shark was actively feeding and displaying aggressive behavior. Such circumstances heighten the risk to bathers in the area, prompting officials to act swiftly.
As a precaution, a one-mile radius surrounding the sighting location near Sunset Beach Tower 12 has been closed to all water activities. Authorities are advising beachgoers to consult lifeguards and heed all posted signage during this period.
Wildlife officials note that shark bites involving humans are exceedingly rare along California’s coast. Since 1950, the Department of Fish and Wildlife has recorded fewer than 250 shark-related incidents, with fewer than 20 resulting in fatalities. "Incidents" are defined as any documented encounters where a shark has approached or touched a person in the water or made contact with their surfboard, kayak, or other equipment.
