Sharks Spotted Off Rockaway Beach

MYFOXNY.COM - Shark sightings were reported off of Rockaway Beach on Saturday, leading to an evacuation of swimmers from the water.

Conflicting reports by swimmers and beachgoers said that there were either one or multiple sharks near the Queens beach.

One swimmer said that a shark swam under his friend's surfboard. He thought that he had seen three baby sharks altogether.

A beachgoer told NY1 that a shark was tugging on the equipment of a young girl before circling her board. He explained that her father saw two more sharks in the vicinity.

Lifeguards ordered swimmers to leave the water while the sharks were around before allowing beachgoers to return later in the day.

A Parks Department spokeswoman didn't have information about the incident but said the beach was also closed briefly Friday after a possible shark sighting.

Jon Dohlin, Director of the New York Aquarium, appeared on Good Day NY on Monday to talk about the shark sightings and to give information on the type of shark and how dangerous it may or not have been.

"It's important to remember sharks are always out there. The ones we're seeing do not pose a real threat.  We're pretty sure it's a blue shark. It would be very unusual to see it so close to shore (for that particular species.)  Not to be a 'Pollyanna' about this but this is a sign are oceans are healthy. Treat the animals with respect. Back slowly out of the water," said Dohlin.