Shark Shuts Down Stinson Beach

Stinson Beach was closed Tuesday to swimmers, waders, and surfers following a pair of shark sightings.

Golden Gate National Recreation officials told CBS 5 that they received two “reliable” shark sighting reports on Monday. As a result, they made the decision to close the beach for 5 days. The beach was to remain closed until Saturday, although the length of the closure could be extended if additional sightings occured.

Officials did not immediately know what kind of shark was spotted, but noted that Great White Sharks are very common in the area and there have been several attacks over the years.

The Stinson beach closure is the first in Northern California following a string of warnings in recent days to beachgoers in Oregon after a string of unusual shark sightings – and the capture of a 12-foot creature – along the Oregon coastline.