Shark Sighting Leads to Ocean Water Closure at Huntington Beach Pier

Shark Sighting Prompts Water Closure at Huntington Beach

A shark sighting off the coast of Huntington Beach led to a temporary closure of the ocean waters near the Huntington Beach Pier on Friday. The Huntington Beach Fire Department reported that a roughly 10-foot shark was observed behaving aggressively.

In response to the sighting, officials closed a two-mile stretch of beach from Beach Boulevard to 17th Street, with the closure expected to last until 4:30 p.m. on Friday.

"Our staff will evaluate the possibility of reopening the water at that time based on ongoing surveillance and assessment," the Huntington Beach Fire Department stated via social media. "The community’s safety is our top priority. We ask all beachgoers to obey posted signs and remain out of the water until the closure has been lifted."

The sighting had repercussions beyond beach safety; it also affected a surfing competition taking place in the area. The World Surf League announced a 24-hour halt to the multi-day Vans Jack’s Surfboards Pro competition after the shark was spotted in the competition zone, though activities were completed for the day before the sighting occurred. The competition is scheduled to resume at 7 a.m. on Saturday.