Shark Sighting at Rockaway Beach

20 JUNE 2023 BY LINNEA

Beachgoers enjoying the summer sun at Rockaway Beach were in for a thrilling surprise today

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As their peaceful day was interrupted by a shark sighting.

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The ocean predator was spotted around 11:30 a.m. in the Hammels section of the beach.

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The Parks Department swiftly responded to the sighting, closing Beach 99-74 for swimming.

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This quick action ensured the safety of beach visitors, effectively preventing any possible encounters between them and the shark.

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Brooklyn resident Chip Newell, one of the witnesses, described the scene as..

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“The shark was probably 50 yards out, and they called for everybody to get out of the water. Is it a brown fin? It wasn’t a dolphin…There were a lot of helicopters here within a matter of probably 15 minutes. It was pretty crazy”.

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Following the sighting, the New York Police Department (NYPD) conducted an aerial surveillance of the area.

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Their efforts were vital in ascertaining the situation and ensuring that people were safe to return to the water.

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After approximately one hour of closure, the beach was open again, and people were allowed back into the water.

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