A British beach has been evacuated today (August 4) after a large shark was spotted swimming a few meters from shore. Lifeguards went out on jet skis to search for the finned creature, but found nothing.
People on Boscombe beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, were ordered to stay out of the water following the alleged sighting.
British beach has been evacuated after a shark swam close to shore
According to reports, RNLI lifeguards put up red warning flags and made an announcement telling people that a “large marine” animal had been seen in the water.
Lifeguards went out on jet skis to look for the finned creature, but found nothing.
The beach remained closed for an hour.
Speaking about the worrying sighting, witness Gemma Harris said a “fin” was seen in the water. She said, “The lifeguard put an announcement over the PA saying ‘everyone out of the water. There is marine wildlife in the water’.”
“Everyone rushed to get out of the water and the RNLI response was very effective.
They checked the water for half an hour before letting swimmers back in. Apparently a fin was spotted. We heard one of the RNLI team say it was a shark, but nothing has been confirmed.”
Another bystander told the Echo, “There was some splashing in the water and the lifeguards said they hadn’t seen anything like it in 35 years.
It was said over the PA that there was marine life in the water, so everyone was called and lifeguards went up and down on a jet ski.”
“About half an hour to an hour later everyone was still out of the water when they put up the red and yellow flags and said you could go back in the water but they could call you at any time.”
An RNLI spokesman said they are still unsure what the creature was, and urged people to be safe while in the water.
RNLI lifeguards are keeping a close eye on the situation and are asking visitors to stay away from the water and have put up red flags.
