Cape Cod Officials Making Plans to Protect Beach Goers

(NECN: Eileen Curran) – We have an update on that shark attack in Truro, Mass.

The state's top marine biologist has just met with the man who was bitten on Monday to see his injuries in person.

Dr. Greg Skomal says he'll compare that information with witness accounts to better understand the shark activity in the area.

In the meantime, shark attack action is being taken Thursday with a group of Cape Cod officials formulating a plan to protect beach goers.

Chris LeClaire, 13, of Reading, Mass. headed out with his boogie board at the Head of the Meadows beach in Truro, Mass. Thursday. He went out pretty far, before a lifeguard paddled out to tell him and other surfers to come closer to shore. LeClaire had heard someone recently had been attacked by a shark, but he thought it was a beach far from here.

"I don’t want to go to that beach," he said. When told the attack happened in Truro, he gulped and said, "It was?”

Monday's attack by a Great White shark on a Denver man has some people staying close to the shore, while others are venturing out, even among the seals, which are what is bringing the sharks close to shore. This has first responders concerned.

Leslie Reynolds, Chief Park Ranger with the Cape Cod National Seashore called a meeting Thursday of officials from the four towns affected: Truro, Eastham, Wellfleet and Provincetown.

"What we’re finding is, everyone had a different approach and we’re trying to make sure it’s uniform," said Provincetown Police Chief Jeff Jaran.

"We wanted to make sure we're all on the same page," said Eastham Police Chief Ed Kulhawik.  "Working from same manual, if you will," he added.

Firefighters said letting them know of an incident sooner rather than later helps.

"If we get early notification, we can start moving resources in the direction, even if it turns out to be something where we’re not needed," said Wellfleet Fire Chief Dan Silverman.

And of course, the discussed resources, especially boats.

"The oceanside is difficult," said Truro Police Chief Kyle Takajian.  "We don’t have boats stationed here. We depend certainly on the Coast Guard and Beach Response, but it’s a difficult area because it’s remote.”

First responders said the meeting went well. They decided on a number of protocols for communication and resource allocation as well as other issues.  They hope to ease the fears of the public.

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