Migrating sharks close Florida beaches

Boca Raton, FL, United States (4E) – An estimated 15,000 sharks were seen close to the shore of South Florida forcing several beaches to shut down and swimmers to stay out of the water on Wednesday.

Marine biologists at the Florida Atlantic University counted the sharks, mostly blacktips and spinners, migrating northward only about 200 yards from the shore. They were seen in the shores at South Inlet in Boca Raton, Gulfstream Park near Boynton Beach and Ocean Reef in Singer Island, according to Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue Capt. Phil Wotton.

There was no report of harm to any swimmer as beaches waved double red flags as warning to beachgoers not to swim yet.

The shark sighting was not uncommon as the area is the migration route of the marine predators. However, the timing was unusual this year.

Palm Beach County beaches reopened Thursday morning as no sharks were sighted near the shore.

Ocean Reef Park lifeguard Eddie Green said the shark sightings in the area started in December. The Palm Beach’s Midtown was shut down Tuesday when dozens of sharks were seen nearby.

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