A popular southern California beach was closed on Tuesday afternoon following a reported sighting of a great white shark exhibiting aggressive behaviour. The Huntington Beach fire department confirmed a "credible report" of a 10-12ft great white shark circling near a lifeguard tower.
This behaviour is considered aggressive under the city's marine safety division's "shark response protocols." Officials closed a two-mile section of the beach, located between Seapoint and the Huntington Beach pier, until Wednesday afternoon. Warning signs were posted and visitors were notified.
The Orange County beach is a popular spot for surfers and swimmers. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife states that shark incidents involving bites are "extremely rare" in the state, with fewer than 250 incidents since 1950 and fewer than 20 fatalities.