The surfer was pronounced dead at the scene right after another female surfer pulled him out from the water near the famous Morro Rock, north of Los Angeles.

Authorities said a surfer was killed in a "shark attack" off the central coast of California on Christmas Eve.

The surfer whose identity has not yet been identified was found near Morro Rock's water, about 200 miles(320km) north of Los Angeles, at 10:45 AM on Christmas eve. 

Officials have ordered people to stay out of the water for almost 24 hours.

The Morro Bay Harbor Department said in a statement on Twitter: "Harbor, police and Fire Departments responded to a report of a male victim unresponsive on the beach after he was pulled from the water suffering from an apparent shark attack."

Press Release - Shark Attack pic.twitter.com/YA0WaPorjt

— Morro Bay Police (@MorroBayPD) December 24, 2021

Morro Bay Harbour director Eric Endersby told The San Luis Obispo Tribune that a female surfer had seen the victim face-down and got him out of the water. However, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not immediately know the date of the attack, but the forensics declared it was a recent attack by looking at the condition of his body. 

Mr. Endersby warned people to be aware of sharks swimming nearby who could be out hunting for the seals.

He told the LA Times, "If you see a lot of bird or seal activity in the water, that's a sign that people should be looking to get out of the water."

"Human attacks are largely a case of mistaken identity."

The crew has been patrolling the area to look for sharks.