Save Newport Real News in Newport Beach
The beach from 10th to 44th street in Newport is closed, due to a hammerhead shark sighting. Initially skeptical of the reports, the shark was later sighted by lifeguards, who opted to close the beach shortly after it was reported at approximately 10:45am, according to the Daily Pilot, who included this photo, taken by an unknown bystander:
Though authorities were keen to note shark didn’t appear to be acting aggressively and is a scavenger likely looking for bait fish, rather than a predator, the beach was closed as a precautionary measure.
El Nino has undoubtedly to blame for warming the waters enough for this unusual shark to be in our waters at this time of year, and officials say they will re-evaluate the beach closure sometime mid-afternoon.
