'Aggressive' and massive great white shark sighting prompts immediate closure of popular California beach
The shark was said to be circling near the coast, which is a behavior that is classified as ‘aggressive’ under Marine Safety's shark response protocols.
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HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – California beachgoers will not be able to enjoy the surf today, following reports of a massive great white shark lurking near the shore.
According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, Huntington Beach Marine Safety received a credible report of a 10-12 foot great white shark off the shores of the popular California Beach.
'Shark sighted' warning signs along Huntington Beach
(Huntington Beach Fire Department)
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The report of the sighting was near Huntington Beach's Lifeguard Tower 16, located along the Pacific Coast Highway and 16th Street.
The shark was said to be circling near the coast, which is a behavior that is classified as ‘aggressive’ under Marine Safety's shark response protocols.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 22: In an aerial view, a juvenile white shark swims in the clear, shallow water of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of La Jolla.
(Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
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"As a precaution, the water is being closed from Seapoint to the Huntington Beach Pier, approximately one mile north and south of Tower 16," says the Huntington Beach Fire Department.
The sighting of this massive shark comes at a time of unusually warm ocean temperatures, thanks to the powerful El Niño.
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA - In an aerial view, people gather on Huntington Beach pier over the Pacific Ocean on July 01, 2026 in Huntington Beach, California. Global ocean sea surface temperatures broke records in June, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service. Earth’s average ocean temperatures hit about 21 degrees Celsius (around 69.5 degrees Fahrenheit) on June 21, marking an "unprecedented" new record for June amid the onset of "El Niño".
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images / Getty Images)
Officials are posting warning signs and notifying beachgoers.
The closure will remain in effect until 3 p.m. local time Wednesday.