Great White Circles Surfer Off OC Coast, Prompting Beach Closures

NEWPORT BEACH, CA — An 8-foot great white shark was spotted circling a surfer in West Newport on Thursday, Newport Beach Fire Department lifeguards confirmed Thursday.

The sighting — which happened at around 1:15 p.m. off 35th Street in Newport Beach — triggered authorities to clear the water one mile east and west of the last known location.

The closure will last a minimum of four hours while tower and patrol lifeguards monitor the water.

No further details were given about the surfer who was in the water when the shark was seen.

The Newport Beach Police Department and Orange County Sheriff's Department were made aware of the incident, the NBFD said, and an NBLG Sea Watch rescue vessel was deployed to help search for the shark.

The public was urged to avoid the water in the area until the area is deemed safe.

No further information was immediately available.

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