Amity, Mass. – Amity beaches are still open and considered safe after a false shark sighting today at Village Beach. Swimmers were rushed out of the water after a fin was spotted, but it turned out to be just an ill-timed prank by two young boys. The town has been on edge over the past week after two Amity youths were killed, reportedly from shark attacks. 16-year-old Wendy W. Watson and 10-year-old Alex Ferguson died earlier this week, and while the exact causes are as yet unknown, police suspect shark involvement.
The beaches in Amity had been closed for the past few days, but reopened today after fisherman caught a giant killer shark believed to have been the cause of the earlier deaths.
The day began as a celebration for Police Chief Martin P. Brody, Amity Mayor Bob Farley, and the citizens of Amity. “I am delighted to report that the giant killer shark that has been blamed for two deaths this week was caught and killed in waters one mile south-southwest of Amity,” Brody said in a statement.
The fishermen who caught the shark wish to remain anonymous, but will receive a $3,000 reward for their help. Matt Hooper, a marine biologist from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, identified the 16-foot killer as a nurse shark.
People were visibly relieved at the news, and flooded the beaches, seeming eager to resume their usual summer activities as normal.
Beach-goers were understandably hesitant to enter the water, despite Chief Brody’s assurance that he and his staff “believe that the danger of further shark attacks has passed,” thanks to the capture of the killer shark. Once one family ventured in to swim, however, people began to follow suit.
Farley was in the middle of telling reporters the good news about the shark capture when the false shark sighting occurred. The swimmers began fighting to get back to shore, causing chaos and an atmosphere of fear.
Patrolmen in boats surrounded the shark fin and were prepared to shoot it when the two young boys behind the prank revealed themselves.
Despite the hoax, the beaches of Amity are still believed to be safe. “Armed shark spotters will continue to patrol the waters off the beach,” Chief Brody said in a statement, and “any shark sightings should be reported immediately to police or Coast Guard. We wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July.”
*class assignment*
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