Shark attacks boy at Encinitas beach

Officials close beaches for 48 hours after Sept. 29 incident

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Emergency lights. (Ariel Camilo, FreeImages)

North Coast Current

Beaches in Encinitas from La Costa Avenue to Swami’s are closed for 48 hours after a 13-year-old boy was injured by a shark at about 6:55 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29, authorities reported.

The attack happened at Beacon’s Beach, 940 Neptune Ave. in Leucadia, the city of Encinitas stated in an announcement. Lifeguards administered first aid to the victim, who was described as a 13-year-old male skin diver participating in the opening day of lobster season. The boy was air-lifted to a local hospital for further treatment, the city reported.

Authorities have posted the stretch of beaches in Encinitas as closed with signs warning the public of the attack. Surveillance of the waters is underway by lifeguards on boat and the Sheriff’s Department by air, city officials stated. Lifeguard towers also remain open. A surfing contest planned for the weekend has been canceled, according to reports.

“We are working closely as a unified command with the California State Parks, California Fish and Game, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, City of Solana Beach and the City of Carlsbad to ensure public safety,” Encinitas lifeguard Capt. Larry Giles said in the city’s announcement.

No other shark activity has been reported since the incident, according to authorities, who are working with a marine scientist to determine the species of shark involved in the attack.