SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — Three young great white sharks were seen eating a sea lion near Blacks Beach in San Diego on Friday afternoon, leading to caution warnings.
The sightings happened around 12:15 p.m. Lifeguards with the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department say they were patrolling in a boat about 100 yards from shore when they spotted the juvenile apex predators.
So did Jason Morgan.
"What I seen was a dead sea lion and the sharks were feeding on it,” Morgan said.
“It was my second time going out surfing today. And the lifeguard wanted to make everyone aware that there some activity in the area and that I had to surf at my risk.”
The sharks, reportedly six, eight, and nine feet long, were snacking on the carcass of a sea lion, according to the lifeguards. Luckily, they weren't showing any signs of aggressive behavior toward the lifeguards.
“Until we’ve had that response where we see aggressive behavior towards human interaction, we haven’t had any need to be concerned. And that’s from the guidance of the experts,” Lt. Lonnie Stephens, San Diego Fire-Rescue Department, said.
SDFD says state lifeguards were notified because of proximity and signs were posted along the beach a mile in each direction from where the sharks were spotted.
“Look at the signs and make your own informed decision. There are other beaches if it is a concern to go visit where there have not been shark sightings today. Check-in with your lifeguards and you can get the real-time information,” Stephens said.
Despite the sharks not showing any signs of aggression toward humans during the initial sighting, lifeguards are advising people to be very cautious.
“We haven’t had many reports of this nature to where we’ve had to initiate this level of response where we do post the advisory signs. However, in the event that it happens or occurs in the future, we will always report,” Stephens said.
Experts on the weather side of things have some portions of San Diego County under an excessive heat warning until Tuesday night.
Despite these sharks being spotted, those who share the ocean with them think people will still venture to Blacks Beach to cool off.
“I don’t know if everyone’s going to catch the signs because they’re not everywhere. But, most don’t go out swimming too far I don’t think it will deter too many people,” Alex Davani said.
Those warning signs will be up for a 24-hour period unless another shark sighting is seen by lifeguards.
