Story perspectives

Great White Shark Prompts Beach Closure at Newport Beach

3/28/2026

Summary

Story summary

A great white shark circled a surfer at Newport Beach on March 27, 2026, prompting water evacuation.
The approximately 8-foot shark was seen off 35th Street, triggering a four-hour beach closure.
Surfer Vivian Phongngo initially mistook the shark for a dolphin and reported the sighting to lifeguards, reflecting on the encounter and emphasizing the need to respect nature.
Lifeguards acted after initial disbelief, while surveillance did not locate the shark.

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Story summary

A great white shark circled a surfer at Newport Beach on March 27, 2026, prompting water evacuation.
The approximately 8-foot shark was seen off 35th Street, triggering a four-hour beach closure.
Surfer Vivian Phongngo initially mistook the shark for a dolphin and reported the sighting to lifeguards, reflecting on the encounter and emphasizing the need to respect nature.
Lifeguards acted after initial disbelief, while surveillance did not locate the shark.