Hammerhead shark sighting prompts Newport Beach closure

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (FOX 11/CNS) - A two-mile section of ocean in Newport Beach was closed today when an 8-foot shark was spotted off the coast.

The closure, ordered late this morning, covers an area stretching about one mile on each side of the Newport Pier from about 10th to 40th streets, according to Jennifer Manzella of the Newport Beach Police Department.

The shark was sighted about 11 a.m., and was not acting in an aggressive manner, but the closure was ordered as a precaution and could extend until Tuesday morning, Manzella said.

Signs were posted advising beachgoers of the closure, she said. On Oct. 8-9, a stretch of ocean off Huntington Beach was closed when a roughly 10-foot shark was spotted by a surfer.