A shark, believed to be a Great White, was spotted Monday about 50 yards off the coast at La Jolla Shores, prompting lifeguards to close the ocean to swimmers and surfers.
A lifeguard spotted the 12- to 15-foot-long shark about 3:15 p.m., headed south just outside the surf line about 50 yards from the main lifeguard tower at La Jolla Shores, according to city Lifeguard Lt. Greg Buchanan.
Waters from the Marine Room to Scripps Pier out to the half-mile buoy were closed, and lifeguards were warning people in surrounding areas about the sighting, Buchanan said.
Lifeguards searched for the shark from the shore and with the assistance of boats and a helicopter, Buchanan said.
