'Aggressive' and massive great white shark sighting prompts immediate closure of popular California beach

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – California beachgoers will not be able to enjoy the surf today, following reports of a massive great white shark lurking near the shore.

According to the Huntington Beach Fire Department, Huntington Beach Marine Safety received a credible report of a 10-12 foot great white shark off the shores of the popular California Beach.

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The report of the sighting was near Huntington Beach's Lifeguard Tower 16, located along the Pacific Coast Highway and 16th Street.

The shark was said to be circling near the coast, which is a behavior that is classified as ‘aggressive’ under Marine Safety's shark response protocols.

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"As a precaution, the water is being closed from Seapoint to the Huntington Beach Pier, approximately one mile north and south of Tower 16," says the Huntington Beach Fire Department.

The sighting of this massive shark comes at a time of unusually warm ocean temperatures, thanks to the powerful El Niño. 

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Officials are posting warning signs and notifying beachgoers.

The closure will remain in effect until 3 p.m. local time Wednesday.