Crime & Safety
Confirmed Shark Sighting at Local Beach
Wallis Sands State Beach was evacuated Tuesday.
State officials confirmed Tuesday that a shark was in fact found swimming in the beach at Wallis Sands State Beach between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m.
Amy Bassett, spokesperson for the New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation, said the shark was sighted swimming "in about 4 feet of water about 25-30 feet off shore and was seen in the area for about 5 minutes" Tuesday afternoon.
Bassett said lifeguards and park staff "immediately evacuated swimmers from the water" and limited ocean access to ankle-deep water after the shark "swam away."
Officials couldn't determine what type of shark was seen, according to Bassett.
No one was harmed Tuesday afternoon, although the state is urging caution.
"It is recommended that beach goers (Tuesday night) should not swim in the water," said Bassett. "The park will open as usual (Wednesday). NH Marine Patrol and the US Coast Guard are patrolling the waters.
Last year, there was a likely blue shark sighting at Wallis Sands.
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