A UK beach was evacuated today (4 August) after a large shark was spotted swimming just a few yards away from the shore.
Crowds at Boscombe beach, in Bournemouth, Dorset, were ordered to stay out of the water following the alleged sighting.
According to reports, RNLI lifeguards put up red warning flags and made an announcement telling people that a 'large marine' animal had been seen in the water.
Advert
Lifeguards went out on jet-skis to search for the finned creature but found nothing.
The beach remained closed for around an hour.
Speaking about the worrying sighting, witness Gemma Harris said a 'fin' was spotted in the water.
Advert
She said: "The lifeguard put out a loudspeaker announcement saying 'everyone out of the water. There is marine wildlife in the water.'
"Everybody rushed out of the water and the RNLI response was very effective.
"They checked the water for about half an hour before letting bathers back in.
"Apparently a fin was spotted. We heard one of the RNLI team say it was a shark but nothing has been confirmed."
Advert
Another bystander told the Echo: "There were some splashes in the water and the lifeguards said they hadn't seen anything like it in 35 years.
"It was said over the tannoy that there was sea life in the water, so everyone was called out and the lifeguards went up and down on a jet ski.
"Half an hour, to an hour later everyone was still out of the water when they put the red and yellow flags up and said that you could go back in the water but you might be called out at any time."
A spokesman for the RNLI said it is still not sure what the creature was, and urged people to be safe while out in the water.
Advert
They said: "There were sightings of large marine life at Boscombe beach.
"The situation is being closely monitored by RNLI lifeguards who are asking visitors to stay away from the water and have put up red flags.
"RNLI lifeguards flagged the beaches for a short period of time to investigate reports received of unidentified marine life.
"We still have no confirmation of what the creature was, and everyone going into the sea should enjoy it but, as always, respect the water and exercise an appropriate level of caution, including keeping around 200 metres from marine life for your and their safety."
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: UK News