Update, 4:45 p.m.: Amagansett beaches, which had been reopened to swimming around 3:30 p.m., were closed again around 4:30 after another shark sighting.
Original, 3:30 p.m.: East Hampton Town closed Amagansett ocean beaches to swimming around 2 p.m. Wednesday after a surfcaster caught a six-foot spinner shark, and East Hampton Village followed suit, closing all five of its beaches to swimming.
A huge ball of baitfish between Atlantic Avenue and Indian Wells Beaches had attracted predators including the shark, bass, and bluefish. After it was determined that the bait ball was moving west from Amagansett, East Hampton Village Mayor Jerry Larsen also notified the Maidstone Club of the beach closures.
"They're there. The bait ball is in close, so they're keeping people out of the water," said John Ryan Jr. the top lifeguard for East Hampton Town.
The lifeguard chiefs at Indian Wells and Atlantic Avenue made the call after seeing all the activity. Mr. Ryan said a drone would soon be launched "to get a better visual."
The beaches will stay closed "until the bait ball is dispersed," he said. "If we do have a swimmer bit, it will be because of mistaken identity. They're not feeding on people; they're feeding on bunker."
As of 3:30 p.m., Amagansett beaches were reopened.
Coincidentally, this afternoon at 5 p.m., the South Fork Natural History Museum in Bridgehampton is hosting a panel discussion with shark experts who will give an update on shark field observations for 2022.
