A stretch of Southern California beach was closed Monday after reports of aggressive sharks in the area.
Part of Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach was closed after a young whale was beached and people reported aggressive sharks, the city said. The beach and ocean were closed Sunday afternoon for one mile in each direction of where the aggressive shark activity was reported.
The closure is expected to continued until 4:30 p.m. Tuesday.
"While the whale was still alive, bite marks were seen on the mammal," the city said. "In speaking with those in the area, beachgoers reported seeing splashing & aggressive shark activity prior to the whale washing ashore."
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The Pacific Marine Mammal Center picked up the whale Sunday night, but the severity of its injuries required it to be euthanized.
Alissa Deming, with Pacific Marine Mammal Center, said the whale appeared thin and had several cuts and bruises in addition to the shark bites. Blood tests indicated the whale had a widespread infection causing organ failure.
"It appears the animal had some significant underlying health issue that actually brought it out from the deep sea," said Alissa Deming, with Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
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The shark and whale sightings were reported around 3:45 p.m. Sunday near Lifeguard Tower 22, between 24th Street and Admiralty Drive, according to a statement on X by the city of Huntington Beach.
"We're in their ocean," said Tom Ellis, who lives near the beach. "We know they're out there. We have to lives with them."
