ROCKAWAY BEACH, Queens (PIX11) – A shark was spotted at Rockaway Beach in Queens Thursday, authorities said.
The shark was seen in the water at Beach 86th Street at 1:20 p.m., according to the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation.
The beach was temporarily closed to swimmers for a mile in each direction, officials said.
A second shark sighting was confirmed at Beach 61st Street at 2:45 p.m., resulting in the beach to be closed from Beach 57th to Beach 81st streets.
NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry posted drone video to X of the first shark sighting.
“Our drones will continue to monitor the waters for any other shark sightings or swimmers in distress,” Daughtry said.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.