Sharks sighted at Jersey Shore third time this week

Sharks spotted off the Jersey Shore on Thursday morning prompted lifeguards to briefly close a beach on Barnegat Peninsula for the second day in a row.

Three shark fins cut through the water about 9:30 a.m. near 10th Lane off Midway Beach in Ocean County, said Sgt. Nick Bruno of the Midway Beach beach patrol, who saw them. Swimming was banned for about an hour until the sharks moved south, he said.

"Usually when they're in that close to shore they're either sick or dying," said Bruno, who believed they might have been five-foot sand sharks. "One definitely looked sick."

Midway Beach is directly south of Seaside Park, where two sharks seen Wednesday caused lifeguards to close the beach for several hours.

"As of right now, there is no reason to be concerned," Bruno said. "We're always on the watch anyway. Everyone is allowed in the water now."

On Monday, sharks were spotted off Ocean Beach, about 12 miles north of Seaside Park, forcing lifeguards to close that beach for about a half-hour, said Chief Michael G. Mastronardy of the Toms River police.

Barnegat Peninsula is separated from Long Beach Island by Barnegat Inlet.

Shark attacks are rare, and there has not been a confirmed fatal attack at the Jersey Shore since 1926.

Contact staff writer Sam Wood

at 215-854-2443 or samwood@phillynews.com.