With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
We're Gonna Need A Better Hoax: There's No Great White Shark In Newport Beach
This guy won't be ruining your weekend (Photo by Mogens Trolle via Shutterstock)
It's okay, Newport Beach! It turns out the reports of a great white shark spotted in the water are bogus. News of this fake shark was spread via a photo of a press release on social media. The letter, typed on phony Coast Guard letterhead, told of a 15-18 ft. adult Great White shark "swimming along his portside in an aggressive fashion" off Newport Pier. It warned the public to stay away for the next 48-72 hours. Memorial Day Weekend. How convenient!
The real Coast Guard took to Twitter to let everyone know there was no predatory shark.
This release to the media was NOT generated by the CG! There are no reports of a Great White shark off Newport Pier pic.twitter.com/9BMJsunpgr
— USCG Southern California (@USCGSoCal) May 22, 2014
While most are assuming the prankster was just trying to clear the beach for themselves this weekend, I prefer to think it was a viral marketing campaign for Ghost Shark 3.
At LAist, we focus on what matters to our community: clear, fair, and transparent reporting that helps you make decisions with confidence and keeps powerful institutions accountable.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Your support for independent local news is critical. With federal funding for public media gone, LAist faces a $1.7 million yearly shortfall. Speaking frankly, how much reader support we receive now will determine the strength of this reliable source of local information now and for years to come.
This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
That’s why we’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Thank you for understanding how essential it is to have an informed community and standing up for free press.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
