By Beth David, Editor
Beaches in Fairhaven were closed for about a day due to a reported shark sighting at Hacker Street beach.
A reverse 911 call went to all residents warning of the danger and alerting residents that the beaches were closed on Saturday, 9/26, at about 2:45 p.m.
According to a press release by the Fairhaven Police Department, the Fort Phoenix, Sconticut Neck and West Island beaches were all closed to the public due to a shark sighting off Hacker Street Beach.
All beachfront and waterfront residents were also advised to remain out of the water.
The Fairhaven Police and Harbormaster patrolled the area.
At about 6 p.m. on Saturday, a second press release stated that beaches would open on Sunday, but residents were still being cautioned to avoid the water until the morning.
“The Town of Fairhaven is expected re-open all beaches tomorrow morning as long as there are no further shark sightings in the area,” reads the press release. “The beaches were closed for the day following a shark sighting off Hacker Street Beach at 1 p.m. There have been no shark sightings since then.
“The Fairhaven Harbor Master will patrol the area tomorrow morning to ensure that the waters are safe for recreational swimming and boating.
“All beachfront and waterfront residents are advised to remain out of the water until then.”
A second phone and email alert at 7:29 p.m. said that the alert had been canceled and beaches had been opened.
“The shark sighting was unfounded and the search of the waters by the Fairhaven and New Bedford Harbormasters was negative,” reads the email alert. “Citizens are asked to use caution and stay vigilant when entering the water. Have a safe weekend.”
In an interview with a local TV station, Fairhaven Harbormaster Timothy Cox asked people to take a picture if they see anything so the shark can be identified.
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