Park officials closed down Coney Island Beach immediately after reported sightings of what appeared to be Basking Sharks swimming approximately 50 to 60 yards away from the shore.
According to Jon Dohlin, WCS vice president and director of the New York Aquarium, Basking Sharks can grow up to more than 20 feet long, but pose no threat to humans. He also believes they may have come close to the shore for feeding.
The Parks Department stated that they closed specific stretches of the beach out of an abundance for safety, and are continuing to monitor the situation.
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