DNA Confirms Great White Shark Behind Encinitas Shark Attack

October 10, 2018

It's been several weeks since a 13-year old boy was attacked by an 11-foot shark at Beacon's Beach in Encinitas. Now, using DNA analysis, researchers have confirmed that the shark involved in the incident was a great white.Researchers from the Shark Lab of California State University were able to analyze DNA from the shark that was left behind in the boy's wetsuit. 

“He’s very brave, he’s very strong, athletic. He’s a warrior." The mother of Keane Webre-Hayes, an #Encinitas teenager bitten by a #shark Saturday at #BeaconBeach, said the first things her son wants to do after getting out of the hospital are play baseball and get back out in the water. The 13-year-old was lobster fishing when he was bitten by the shark in the ear, shoulder and back. He's expected to make a full recovery. #NBC7

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Keane Webre-Hayes was bitten on the arm, ear, and shoulder while diving for lobster in shallow water along the beach. Those visiting the beach are warned to be aware that great white sharks visit the California coast more frequently in colder winter months. Keane Webre-Hayes was airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital in Linda Vista where he was in serious condition for several days. He had recovered enough to go home last Thursday.