'Aggressive' Great White Feasting On Sea Lion Near Sunset Beach, Prompts Beach Closure

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA — Sunset Beach in Huntington Beach was closed Wednesday after a great white shark was seen "actively feeding on a sea lion carcass."

The 9- to 10-foot-long shark was spotted around 10 a.m. Wednesday and was "exhibiting aggressive behavior near shore."

"In addition to the inherent danger posed by a great white shark in the area, the risk increases when they are actively feeding on large food sources," fire officials said.

Sunset Beach waters will be off limits for 48 hours one mile in either direction of Sunset Beach Tower 12 at Pacific Avenue and 12th Street.

This marks the second closure of a stretch of Huntington Beach shoreline to happen in the past week, after an "aggressive" shark was spotted near Huntington Beach Pier on Friday.

The sighting caused multi-day Vans Jack's Surfboards Pro competition to be put on hold Friday "for 24 hours following a shark sighting in the competition zone yesterday afternoon, after competition was finished," organizers World Surf League said on Instagram.

"The safety of our surfers and staff is our top priority, and competition will resume once the water safety team and local authorities confirm the competition area is clear," organizers said.

The beach was reopened later Friday, and the surfing competition resumed on Saturday.