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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.
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You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
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