One day later the shark frenzy subsides
Published: July 11, 2008 : 12:25 pm
Several popular Island beaches were reopened to swimmers today one day after reports and rumors of sharks led officials across the Island to get everybody out of the water.
Lifeguards at popular South Beach in Edgartown, which fronts on the Atlantic Ocean and was the only beach where there was a confirmed sighting of a large shark, entered the water for their regular morning drills said Marilyn Wortman, Edgartown parks and recreation administrator.
"All is calm today," she said.
On Thursday several lifeguards reported seeing a shark fin and a private pilot saw what he said was a great white shark. The town posted signs that said "Warning, shark sighting no swimming."
On Friday morning the signs were removed. The job did not take long thanks to souvenir hunters. "We put up 20 and 14 got stolen," Ms. Wortman said.
On Thursday Edgartown officials closed Bend in the Road Beach, the section of State Beach managed by Edgartown that fronts on Nantucket Sound, after reports of multiple sharks swimming off the beach. Those reports were never confirmed and the beach, popular with young children, was also open to swimming.
Fred LaPiana, Tisbury department of public works director, said Tashmoo Beach on Vineyard Sound was open to swimming. Mr. LaPiana closed the beach on Thursday after hearing reports of shark sightings and discussing the issue with harbormaster Jay Wilbur.
Chilmark Beaches were also open to swimming.
