SAN CLEMENTE, Calif. (KGTV) – Beaches in San Clemente are expected to reopen Tuesday, but lifeguards say shark advisories will remain in effect after a swarm of great whites was spotted near the coast.
San Clemente beaches have been closed since Sunday morning when someone spotted shark after shark near the pier. The closure was extended for the rest of Sunday after a dozen sharks were spotted along the north beaches said Marine Safety Officer Nick Giugni.
The closures continued Monday after a fisherman hooked a Great White shark on the pier around 8:30 a.m. The shark was reported to be between 10 and 12 feet long and was quickly released.
“I caught it right a the moment when he was bringing it up,” Juli Isola said. Isola quickly snapped some photos of the shark. She says the fisherman cut it lose and alerted nearby lifeguards and paddle boarders.
“The lifeguard radioed headquarters and they announced right there the beach was closed,” Isola said.
Marine Safety Officer Nick Giugni says the decision to keep the beach closed was made after more than 20 sharks were spotted between the pier and Capistrano Beach.
“It’s a little harrowing when you think about that,” beachgoer Connie Jensen said.
It’s the latest in a series of great white sightings. On April 29th, A great white bit a woman on San Onofre State beach.
RELATED STORIES:
Shark researcher helps debunk shark myths
Surfer creates device protecting people from shark attacks
Shark 'displaying aggressive behavior' prompts warning at San Onofre State Beach
VIDEO: Great white sharks lurking off Southern California coast
