Fairhaven beach closed after shark spotted cruising in the water

A large shark was spotted close to a Surf Beach twice this weekend.

A patrolled beach at Fairhaven was closed on Saturday afternoon after a shark was spotted close to the shore. Picture: News Limited

A Fairhaven beach was closed as a precaution on Saturday afternoon after a shark was spotted cruising the waters close to the shore.

Live Saving Victoria confirmed a shark was sighted about 250m offshore just after 3pm.

The shark was then spotted a second time shortly after, swimming closer to a patrolled beach at Fairhaven resulting in lifeguards closing the beach as a precaution.

“The shark was spotted by the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter and is believed to be 1.5m long,” an Life Saving Victoria statement said.

“Sharks and other aquatic creatures are a normal part of the marine environment, and sightings are not uncommon.”

Life Saving Victoria urged locals to remain alert and to keep informed of regular sighting on the Vic Emergency map.

It comes after an unconfirmed shark sighting in Apollo Bay near Pisces caravan park at around 12:30pm on Saturday afternoon.

Lifeguards patrolled the area around the caravan park for an hour but was not able to confirm the sighting.

Originally published as Fairhaven beach closed after shark spotted cruising in the water