Kailua, Lanikai and Bellows beaches closed after shark sighting. Officials are also investigating a possible body in the water. Beach closures went into effect on the Big Island as well today, due to the sighting of a 12-foot tiger shark.
OAHU, HAWAII
Officials have closed beaches on the windward side of Oahu while they investigate reports of a body in the water off of Bellows beach and a large shark exhibiting aggressive behavior near Kailua Beach.
City Department of Emergency Services spokesman Bryan Cheplic said lifeguards, police and the fire department were originally called out at about 3:30 p.m. because of a report of intestinal remains found near Kailua Beach.
However, Cheplic emphasized that it has not been determined if the remains are human. The Medical Examiner’s Office still has to make that determination, he said.
While investigating the report, officials noticed a large shark behaving aggressively and called the state Department of Land and Natural Resources to close the beach, Cheplic said.
Federal lifeguards on Jetskis from Bellows Beach were called to help with the beach closure, but they received a report of a body in the water and are now investigating that call, Cheplic said.
No body has been located as of early this evening, Cheplic said.
Signs have been posted from Kailua Beach Park to Bellows warning people to stay out of the water.
The Fire Department has set up a command post to help with the search for a possible body.
Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin
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