Great white shark circles surfer in Newport Beach California

Get out of the water!

A terrifying great white shark was spotted ominously circling a surfer at Newport Beach on Thursday, prompting authorities to evacuate the water.

The frightening incident occurred on West Newport Beach off 35th Street, forcing officials to clear the beach one mile east and west of the shark’s last known location.

The approximately 8-foot shark was spotted at 1:15 p.m., leading the Newport Beach Fire Department to order a minimum four-hour beach closure. Authorities also requested a helicopter fly-over the area and the deployment of surveillance vessel to comb the water.

The Newport Beach Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department were also notified of the sighting.

“Shark sightings are rare along our coastline. When observed, these animals are typically transiting through the area,” the fire department said in a social media post. “Out of an abundance of caution, we ask that the public avoid the water in this vicinity until the all-clear is issued.”

The beaches reopened at 5:45 p.m.

The shocking incident occurred after Northern California surfer was left seriously injured last week when a shark bit both of his legs as he was surfing near Big River Beach in Mendocino Headlands State Park.

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