Great white shark discovered trapped on beach
Young predator thought to have contracted a infection
A young great white shark has died after becoming stranded on a beach in California.
The 8ft fish washed up in the shallows in Santa Cruz and biologists fear it may have contracted a bacterial infection that is known to be killing other species of shark.
On Friday evening, at about 6.30pm, the great white became trapped on a shallow reef at Pleasure Point, a popular surfing spot, KSBW8 reported.
It was visibly injured and remained stuck despite a rescue attempt by the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation. Police ordered bystanders away from the predator as crowds gathered.
Researcher Sean Van Sommeran told the station: "We were able to get the shark upright and in the water. It just kind of turned around. It was aimless."
The outgoing tide revealed the shark's fate on Saturday morning.
A team of veterinarians will now examine the carcass to discover why the shark died, with results expected by Monday.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies