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Nature and Environment

Sharks scare off surfers in Orange County

Darko Janjevic
May 12, 2017

A helicopter crew warned paddle-boarders of "approximately 15 great white sharks" swimming along the beach in south California. Authorities posted shark advisories in the area after a woman was bitten last month.

https://p.dw.com/p/2cqFM
Weltnaturerbestätten in der Hochsee - Weißer Hai an der Isla Guadalupe (Pterantula (Terry Goss) via Wikimedia Commons)
Image: Pterantula (Terry Goss) via Wikimedia Commons

California helicopter crew issues shark warning

The Orange County Sheriff's Department posted the video of the incident online, showing Deputy Brian Stockbridge addressing people in the water through the helicopter's loudspeaker system.

California helicopter crew issues shark warning

"Be advised, State Parks [Department] is asking us to make an announcement to let you know you are paddle-boarding next to approximately 15 great white sharks," the officer says as the aircraft is above the town of Dana Point in south California. "They are advising you exit the water in a calm manner."

Several sharks have been seen in this area after a woman was bitten at the nearby San Onofre State Beach on April 29. The 35-year-old woman was recovering from wounds to her upper thigh, which caused significant blood loss, according to the LA Times.

The incidents prompted the authorities to issue shark advisories.

Marine officials say that around 10 to 20 juvenile sharks swim near the famous Californian Long Beach every day. While shark sightings are relatively common in Orange County, actual attacks on swimmers and suffers are rare, the AP news agency reported.

The predators' activity was due to a "thriving aquatic ecosystem" marine safety officials said.