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Shark Sighting Closes Makaha Beach |
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Written by Lisa Kubota - lkubota@kgmb9.com
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December 16, 2008 07:16 PM |
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A shark sighting on Tuesday closed a popular Oahu beach. Some fear what washed up in Makaha after the recent storm may be to blame. Torrential rain swept debris downstream, turning the shoreline into an eyesore.
"There's a lot of dead fish and rats. Lot of animals came down. A lot of people's backyard things, too, and rubbish and trash everywhere," said Lt. Mac Hall of the Ocean Safety and Lifeguard Services Division.
A beachgoer spotted the 8 to 10 foot creature and then lifeguards confirmed the sighting just two yards from shore.
"I guess with the debris they're kind of coming in to feed, but usually on this beach we don't get too many that close to shore, or at least showing themselves," said Hall.
Lifeguards said on a good day there are usually up to 300 people at the beach, but with all the runoff only 3 swimmers were in the water.
"When there are storms there's a lot of debris like this but not as drastic as this is now," said Makaha resident Rae Tamarra.
"Some of the guys have been picking up all the rubbish that would cause injury such as wood with nails and all the that trash we don't want in the ocean, like all the coolers that came down and gas cans, propane tanks," said Hall.
Still, residents are frustrated about all the rubbish that has been littering the beach since Thursday.
"They leave it for so long, then it becomes a hazard to the community so what are we supposed to do?" said Tamarra.
A city spokesman said crews will be cleaning up debris at beaches on Oahu during the next few days.
After another shark sighting in the afternoon, lifeguards chose to keep the warning signs up. They will decide whether it is safe to take them down on Wednesday morning. |
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Last Updated ( December 18, 2008 06:39 PM )
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