Shark Bite Prompts Delayed Opening of Rockaway Beach
ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (WABC) — Rockaway Beach will open late Tuesday morning following a shark bite incident that occurred on Monday evening. The victim, a woman in her 60s and a resident of Queens, was bitten by a shark close to shore at Beach 59th Street and Rockaway Beach.
Police responded to the scene just before 6 p.m. on Monday and the victim was immediately transported to Jamaica Hospital. She is currently in serious but stable condition.
In response to the incident, the Parks Department is collaborating with the NYPD and the FDNY to enhance drone surveillance in the area. Although no sharks were spotted last night, the incident has left beachgoers on edge.
One witness recounted the scene, stating, “Everybody was leaving the beach and they were just like, ‘don’t get in the water,’ and I was like, ‘what happened?’ Somebody got bit by a shark.”
While shark sightings in New York City are typically rare, there has been an increase in shark activity near the shore in recent years due to cleaner water and warmer temperatures. Over a dozen sharks have been tagged off the coasts of Long Island.
As a precautionary measure, Rockaway Beach will have a delayed opening until at least 11 a.m. to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
For those concerned about shark activity, a shark tracking system is available to monitor the situation.
In other news, chaos erupted in Union Square when a Twitch streamer, Kai Cenat, held a giveaway event. The incident caused a commotion among the crowd.
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How has the increase in shark activity near the shore in recent years impacted beachgoers’ confidence and perception of safety at Rockaway Beach in Queens
Rockaway Beach in Queens will have a delayed opening on Tuesday morning following a shark bite incident that occurred the previous evening. A woman in her 60s, a local resident, was bitten by a shark close to shore at Beach 59th Street and Rockaway Beach. Police were called to the scene and the victim was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where she is currently in serious but stable condition.
In response to the incident, the Parks Department is working with the NYPD and the FDNY to enhance drone surveillance in the area. While no sharks were spotted on Monday night, the incident has left beachgoers nervous. Witnesses described beachgoers leaving and warning others not to enter the water.
Shark sightings in New York City are usually rare, but there has been an increase in shark activity near the shore in recent years due to cleaner water and warmer temperatures. Over a dozen sharks have been tagged off the coasts of Long Island.
To ensure the safety of beachgoers, Rockaway Beach will have a delayed opening until 11 a.m. A shark tracking system is available for those concerned about shark activity.
In unrelated news, chaos ensued in Union Square during a giveaway event held by Twitch streamer Kai Cenat, causing a commotion among the crowd.
To stay updated on breaking news in Queens, download the abc7NY app and follow their YouTube channel. Eyewitness News welcomes breaking news tips and story ideas, which can be submitted through the provided form on their website.
Oh my goodness, that’s terrifying! I hope the woman is okay and they can prevent any future incidents.