{"id":369298,"date":"2026-06-21T17:15:34","date_gmt":"2026-06-21T17:15:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/369298\/"},"modified":"2026-06-21T17:15:34","modified_gmt":"2026-06-21T17:15:34","slug":"drone-video-captures-shark-circling-surfer-off-california-coast-nbc-los-angeles-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/369298\/","title":{"rendered":"Drone video captures shark circling surfer off California coast \u2013 NBC Los Angeles"},"content":{"rendered":"

A California<\/a> man’s morning surf was cut short after a frightening run-in with a shark off the coast of Santa Cruz.<\/p>\n

Drone video captured near Seascape Beach in Aptos shows the surfer sitting on his board as a murky shape emerges in the distance.<\/p>\n

The shark can then be seen closing in on him and begins circling the surfer, who appears oblivious to the marine predator below. <\/p>\n

The surfer suddenly notices the animal and quickly starts paddling toward the shore.<\/p>\n

At one point, the shark comes right up behind the surfer, leading to some tense moments, before peeling away. <\/p>\n

The drone’s operator, Nick Bertocchini, said the incident occurred on the morning of June 10. He posted the video<\/a> on his Instagram page and explained that he used his drone to alert the surfer, identified as “Rex,” by revving its motors.<\/p>\n

Bertocchini said the surfer got out of the water after the encounter and told him he grew up surfing in the area and has been seeing more sharks near Seascape Beach over the years, NBC affiliate KCRA reports.<\/a> <\/p>\n

“This one stood out because it appeared more investigative than the average encounter I typically see. I am glad the shark and surfer left without any further contact,” Bertocchini said.<\/p>\n

Shark sightings are not uncommon along the California, but shark bites are rare extremely rare, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. <\/a><\/p>\n

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