Shark attack feared in Southern California woman’s injury
Spokesperson Michael Key told CBS News that at about 2:55 p.m. Neptune Beach lifeguards were notified of a teenage boy being pulled by other swimmers from an apparent shark bite.
A suspected shark attack prompted the evacuation of Corona del Mar State Beach on Sunday, and the stretch of shoreline remains closed to swimmers today, authorities said.
Lifeguards said she was bleeding heavily from wounds to her arm and shoulder consistent with an animal bite, said Newport Beach spokeswoman Tara Finnigan. She suffered puncture wounds on her leg and was taken to a nearby hospital following the attack.
Police could not comment on the extent of the person’s injuries.
Ocean Rescue has advised people to stay clear of waters where they can see little fish jumping around them as these areas are known as feeding pools for larger predatory fish.
Police said it was the first shark attack of the season at the beach.
Lifeguards estimate injuries come from a 5 to 6-foot-long shark.
George Burgess, director of the International Shark Attack File at the University of Florida, said shark attacks are expected to reach an all-time high this year, according to Reuters. There had not been any recent reports of sharks in the area.
The woman’s condition was not immediately available, but she was conscious when she went to a hospital, Finnegan said.
Authorities said they would reevaluate the situation in the morning before making a decision on when to reopen the waters.
An article in California Diver revealed that the return of Great White sharks are coming to Monterey Bay.
Even before confirmation, lifeguards were operating as if it were a shark attack. This may also result in shark warning signs being posted on the beaches. The area is popular among long-distance swimmers and triathletes, he said.