Jersey beach closed after rare shark sighting at St Ouen's Bay

Lifeguards from the RNLI red‑flagged St Ouen’s Bay in Jersey on Saturday after two lifeguards spotted a dark‑grey shark about 40 metres from the shoreline. The animal, estimated at 3.6 m (10‑12 ft) long, swam beneath a rescue board before the area was cleared and a jet ski deployed to search for further signs. The beach remained closed for roughly 45 minutes before being reopened when no additional sightings were reported.

The incident marked the first time a Jersey beach has been closed due to a shark sighting. No injuries occurred, and officials noted the shark resembled a small‑tooth sand‑tiger shark previously found on the island. Local lifeguard Tom Rolls and surf instructor Jesse Heddercott described the encounter as unprecedented for the community.