Huntington Beach closes water after shark report

The Huntington Beach Fire Department closed a stretch of ocean from Seapoint Street to the Huntington Beach Pier after a surfer reported seeing a great white shark near Lifeguard Tower 16 on Tuesday. The department said the water closure was expected to remain in effect until 3 p.m. Wednesday, October 14, with additional patrols planned before reopening. The department described the reported shark as roughly 10 to 12 feet long and said it was exhibiting aggressive behavior. Officials said beachgoers could remain on the sand but should stay out of the water and follow posted signs and lifeguard instructions. The surfer who reported the sighting was not injured, according to Derek Peters, a marine safety battalion chief with the department. Peters said the department searched by drone, jet ski and rescue boat, but could not independently verify the sighting. The surfer was considered a credible source, he said. The report came around 3 p.m. Tuesday, Peters said. The surfer, who was using a foilboard, reported seeing the shark circling about 300 feet offshore. The closure covers the water between Seapoint Street and the pier, a stretch officials described as roughly two miles long.