Alert: Great White Shark Spotted Off Maine Coast
One coastal town in Maine has issued a warning due to the sighting of a large great white shark lurking around some of the state's most frequented beaches. This alert comes just a few weeks following numerous great white sightings in the same region where a woman tragically lost her life in a shark attack half a decade ago.
Details of the Shark Sighting
The marine resource officer of the town received information about the shark, estimated to be between 10 and 12 feet in length. It was seen in the vicinity of Crescent Beach State Park, Higgins Beach, and Pine Point Beach, all of which are easily accessible from Portland.
A commercial clam fisherman captured the shark's presence on his drone camera as it swam just below the surface, its grey fin breaking through the calm waves. The fisherman described the sight of the large shark in the local waters as "magnificent", albeit somewhat unexpected.
He further added, "There are some really amazing creatures in the sea. It's in the back of your head, but you have to accept it."
Shark Presence in Maine
While white sharks, popularized by the film "Jaws" 50 years ago, are not a common sight off the coast of Maine, they have been part of the state's waters for centuries. The increasing number of sightings in recent years is possibly due to the state's growing seal population, as white sharks are known to feed on marine mammals like seals.
The police department in the town where the shark was spotted shared the drone footage to ensure public awareness. They stated, "We are sharing this information promptly to keep the community informed."
Past Shark Attacks in Maine
Although fatal shark attacks on humans are extremely rare, as are unprovoked attacks in Maine, one such incident did occur in the summer of 2020. A resident of New York City, Julie Dimperio Holowach, unfortunately, fell victim to a great white shark off Bailey Island, approximately 15 miles northeast of Portland. After the incident, the state took steps to provide beach visitors with more warnings about the potential presence of sharks.
The attack on Holowach was described as unprovoked, with officials suggesting that her wetsuit may have led the shark to mistake her for a seal. Consequently, officials in Maine urged beachgoers to exercise caution following several sightings of great white sharks in the same area where Holowach was tragically attacked.